Barbara Lee Gilliam

Barbara was born in Morganton Ga to Gilbert and Oralee Hunter. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was the piano player for 67 years. Barbara and her father, Gilbert, organized the group Dixie Aires when she was only 12 years of age. In the following years, she married Creed Gilliam, who also joined the Dixie Aires. They continued to sing and travel as a trio until they had a son, Keith Gilliam, and at the age of 8, he also joined the group along with Ernest Williams. Barbara loved her church, singing and playing the piano, and she loved her family. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by son Keith (Robin) Gilliam; 2 grandsons, Dalton (Amanda) Gilliam and Chris Gilliam. Step-grandchildren: Shelby Hall and Family, Ben Poole and Family, and Hannah Smith and Family. 2 Great Grandchildren; Alyssa Gilliam and Cayden Gilliam. One sister, Glenda Hood. Special niece, Sharon (Joe) Burke. Nephew, Greg Farmer. Along with may cousins, great nephews and nieces also survive.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Morganton, Georgia, with Rev. Grady Ray, Rev. Larry Williams, and Rev. Ronnie Abernathy. Music will be provided by Oak Grove Baptist Church Choir, The Faith Singers, and The Gilliam Family. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Dalton Gilliam, Chris Gilliam, Jason Hall, Ben Poole, Ben Smith, and Joe Burk.

Family will receive friends at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home, Blue Ridge Chapel, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara Lee Hunter Gilliam. Sign the guest register and send condolences online at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.