Gary “Blue” Gilliam was born in Passaic, New Jersey on January 20, 1960, son of the late Jay Rue and Frances (nee Richardson) Gilliam. On Friday, January 19, 2018, God called Gary home for eternal rest surrounded by his family in Apopka, Florida.
Known to many as “Blue”, Gary received his nickname from childhood friends in the Passaic school system, and he would later g on to use this name for professional usage in a few of his interests such as automotive vehicles and businesses. He also showed a strong love for horses; once caring for colts as well as expressing his fondness through various artwork.
In the late 70s to the early 80s, Gary was involved with the United Street Racers in Passaic, New Jersey where he constructed his first show car and submitted it along with other cars in numerous auto shows statewide. Within the decade, Gary quickly became an avid drag racer lasting to the present day by racing up and down the North East Circuit and participating in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) as an active member.
In 1986, Gary moved to Florida with Linda and four children, where he continued to pursue his dreams as a businessman. He would become a manager of a local garage for over ten years called Lubricar, which caused to pave the way for Gary to establish his own garage in 1996, Blue Magic Oil and Lube Express. The title later became Blue Magic Auto Repair. Years following, Gary held an abundant number of jobs as a man of many talents; most recently being employed by Woodcraft Design Furnishings.
In 2005, Gary joined in holy matrimony with Linda Wiesenthal.
Gary is predeceased by his parents Jay Rue Gilliam, Frances (nee Richardson) Gilliam, and his brother Ronald Gilliam.
Gary leaves cherished memories: his wife, Linda Gilliam; four children Janine Bovasso, Tereza Ervin, Danny (Katrina) Wiesenthal, Courtney (Carmine) Russo; eight grandchildren, all of Orlando, Florida. He also leaves seven sister, Gwendolyn (Robert) Gardener of Windsor, Connecticut, Constance Moss of Passaic, New Jersey, Hilda Jones of Passaic, New Jersey, Linda (James) King of Union, New Jersey, Denise (Keith) Lee of Passaic, New Jersey, Janice Gilliam of Passaic, New Jersey, Deidra (Coy) Rudd of West Orange, New Jersey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Service
Visitation
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Memorial Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
6:00pm
Food & Fellowship
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
Tereza Ervin says
I miss you so much already Dad… I know you’re driving that race car with all you got.. I love you Dad you taught me more than you will ever know. We will be so lost without you, but please know we will take care of Mommy like you always did. Rest in Peace Dad love and miss you!!!!!
Tereza Ervin says
Cheryl Lulli says
Valarie Faison says
Linda and family, there are just no words to express our sorrow. How does a union between our children bind us? It does, it just does. We have thankfully and fondly so many memories of Blue. The laughter, the weddings, graduations the no reason parties…..he was a remarkable person and we were delighted to be included in all family events for the last 15 years. God needed him more, may he Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in the memories and how his compassion and kindness affected so many. Our family January birthdays will change, they will go on and we will always celebrate Blue.
Love, Bruce and Valarie
Joe( Banner) and Josephine McWilliams says
We are sorry for your loss( Blue) as we called him will be missed by all that knew him never will forget his humble ways , may he continue to rest in peace .
Thomas & Libby Widgeon says
Sorry For Your Loss!
Gail Parrish, Rosanne's Mom. says
Linda and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Gary. Rosanne let me know , sending you prayers. Had good times at the races and at Frank’s and Rosanne’s house.
Expression of Sympathy says
A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on January 23, 2018
Jenna M. says
I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to your family.
Ter za says
That was so beautifully written. –
Expression of Sympathy says
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on January 23, 2018
Katrina Wiesenthal says
Thank you mom, I love you all and these are absolutely beautiful words. Thank you for accepting my in-laws as family and for loving them as much as I do. —
Expression of Sympathy says
A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on January 23, 2018
Expression of Sympathy says
A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was ordered on January 23, 2018
Expression of Sympathy says
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on January 24, 2018
Arlene Altilio says
Blue
There are just no words to express our sorrow that we are feeling. You have always been this open hearted guy, Always welcoming anybody and everybody, and man who never judged anyone. I Always admire the love and compassion you had for your family and friends. I ( My family ) will cherish all the memories that were made, all the fun times that we had traveling while racing and the hanging out. You touch alot of people without knowing, just by being you. It was a honor to have known you and had been in your life. You will be greatly missed .
May you rest in peace
Expression of Sympathy says
A MONET’S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on January 24, 2018
We are sorry for your loss but will forever cherish the memories.
May you rest in peace Blue
Love
Arlene, April and Mandy Altilio
Nikki says
RIP IN BLUE.
Expression of Sympathy says
A TRADITION AND SPLENDOR was sent on January 24, 2018
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From your GTS Family
Deidra Rudd says
I write this was a very broken heart. My brother meant the world to me. Linda, Janine, Tereza, Danny and Courtney you all meant the world to him. He took such pride in being the MAN of your family He was a happy family
Man and cherished his grandchildren. I cannot tell you how much I will miss his smile, my quick 10 minute calls, looking forward to coming down visiting him. He was my friend my protector and the best brother baby sister could ask for. I will
Miss hearing DeeBum like only you could say. I prayed this was a nightmare and I would wake up but God called you home. My Brother I will keep you in my heart forever. The tears may subside but the emptiness In my heart will never subside. Rest In Peace and hug mommy and daddy for
Me. Love you
Expression of Sympathy says
A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on January 25, 2018
Expression of Sympathy says
A BALANCE EASEL SPRAY was sent on January 25, 2018
My deepest heartfelt sympathy. I am with you in Spirit. Marlyne
Marlyne Page says
Constance, Hilda, Linda, Denise, Deidre, Jan and family I know your hearts are breaking. There is nothing that I can offer and flowers are not enough. Do the best you can. God is with you and he is good all the time, even in this. With sympathy and love.
Deidra Rudd says
My Angel
Your Sister, Hilda says
My dear baby brother…
My heart is shattered and there are no words that can express my hurt but I love you and miss you and will carry memories always. Rest In Peace…a life well lived.
Wanda (Moore) Hooks says
To my friend Hilda and the entire Gilliam Family: I am so sorry for your loss. May the strength and grace of God see you through this time of sorrow.
Marlyne says
…and Gwen.