John Robert Gilliam Jr.

John was born on April 20, 1951, in Clintwood Va, to Sarah Jacqueline and John Robert Gilliam Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Gilliam Jones.

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara Baar Gilliam, his son, SGM Latane Ian Gilliam (Kim), his granddaughter, Ella, his daughter, Brooke Terrell (Mike), his sister, Mary Worth (Win), his brothers, William Gilliam (Pam), Jesse Gilliam (Julie), many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly. After spending his early years in the mountains of Southwest Va, his family settled in Chester Va when John was in the fifth grade. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in 1969. He was a member of Pi Phi fraternity, an affiliation he was always proud of. After high school he attended Clinch Valley College in Wise Va, returning for a while to the hills of home.

John’s love of music began with the British Invasion and continued throughout his life. He played guitar in several bands, “The Disciples of Love” and “King’s Court”. In 1976, he was able to make a dream come true by opening his own record store, the legendary Poobah’s Records, in Petersburg, Va. If you lived in the tri-cities in the late 70’s and 80’s, you knew about Poobah’s Records. John was a natural salesman and his knowledge of music made him an invaluable asset to his customers. Nothing made him happier than to turn someone on to new music. His passion for music showed through in everything he did. After the Poobah years he used his salesman ability to sell cars. He ended his career at Medlin Ford in West Point, Va.

The past few years he faced his failing health with strength and dignity. He loved his family with all of his heart and doted on his canine companions, FiFi, Macho, Paco and Rambo.

To honor him, play a song that made a difference in your life and consider making a donation to a local animal shelter.