John "Pop" Gilliam, Sr., 79, of Coatesville, passed away, July 27, 2011, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in Union, South Carolina, he was the son of the late James and Sarah Gilliam.

He was the husband of Dorasteen (Tinsley) Gilliam with who he shared 60 years of marriage.

John had been employed in construction work for several companies such as Gus Zarelli Construction, Forcine Concrete and John Duvall Brothers.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.

In addition to his wife he is survived by sons, John (Janelle), Jr. of Lancaster, Kenneth (Linda) of Phila, Reginald (Lucy) of Pittsburg, Demetrius and Bernard both of Coatesville, Melvin (Rashida) of Honeybrook, Clark (Leslie) of Atglen; daughters, Valerie G. Campbell of Coatesville, Michelle and Gigi both of Coatesville; brother, William Gilliam of Spartanburg, SC; Godson, Anthony (Christine) Dingle of Conyers, GA; 28 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 819 Coates St, Coatesville, with a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Interment will be in New Evergreen Cemetery in Coatesville.