James Creed Gilliam

James Creed Gilliam, age 83 of Morganton, Ga. went home to be with the Lord on October 8th, 2025.

Born May 7,1942 near Mineral Bluff, Ga. to James Knox Gilliam and Edith Kaylor Gilliam. Creed grew up in the Salem Road area of Fannin County and attended school at Morganton Elementary, and East Fannin High School. After high school he married Barbara Hunter of Morganton, Ga. They moved to Atlanta Ga. where their son Keith was born.

Creed was employed at Colonial Baking Company for over 4 years becoming a foreman of his department. Then returning to Fannin County where he would spend the rest of his life near his family and friends.

Creed accepted Jesus and was saved in his teenage years and became a member of his home church. In his twenties he joined Oak Grove Baptist Church which became an important part of his life. In January 1973 he was ordained as a deacon and later served as a Sunday School teacher for the youth, also church treasurer and other needs.

He loved gospel music and was choir director for a time. He sang with his family the Dixieaires for many years. He enjoyed singing at various churches.

Creed was accustomed to hard work in his lifetime. Growing up on a farm and later working at Tennessee Copper Company for over 30 years. Then he worked at Blue Ridge Supply Company and last at the Fannin County School System as a bus driver and CDL trainer.

He enjoyed yard work, carpentry, fishing, skiing, and motorcycles riding, being with friends and mostly family especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved being near and living close by all his family and church and seeing all his family saved.

He is survived by his love of many years, wife Barbara Hunter Gilliam, son Keith Gilliam (Robin), Grandsons Christopher Gilliam and Dalton Gilliam (Amanda) there children Alyssa, Leigh and James, Cayden Gilliam. Also, Chris and Daltons mother Patricia Gilliam, Brothers Joe Gilliam of Alabama and Linda Gibbs of Mineral Bluff. Sister n law Glenda Hood of Morganton Ga. Step-grandchildren Shelby Hall and Family, Ben Poole and family, Hannah Smith and family and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by Father and Mother, Grandparents and many aunts, Uncles and Friends and in laws, Gilbert and Oralee Hunter.

Funeral Service is Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Oak Grove Baptist Church Blue Ridge, with Rev. Larry Williams and Rev. Ronnie Abernathy officiating.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Tommy Smith, Stanley Turner, Dalton Gilliam, Chris Gilliam, Joe Burke and Jason Hall.

The family will receive friends at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home, Blue Ridge Chapel on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Interment will be at Oak Grove Baptist Cemetery.

Cochran\McDaniel Funeral is honored to serve the family of James Creed Gilliam. You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.