Claude "Speedy" Homer Gilliam Jr.

Claude Homer Gilliam, Jr., affectionately known by everyone as "Speedy," passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on November 29, 1930, in Columbia, Tennessee, Speedy was the son of the late Claude Homer Gilliam, Sr. and Ruby Eugenia Williams Gilliam. Raised on the family farm in Columbia, he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance from an early age—qualities that remained evident throughout his life. Ironically, Speedy earned his nickname not because he was fast, but for just the opposite. There was never a rush in anything he did. Everything had a purpose, and every task deserved to be done the right way. If something wasn't done to his satisfaction the first time, he would gladly do it again—and again if necessary—until it was exactly as it should be. Those who knew him best understood that his patient, methodical nature wasn't stubbornness; it was simply the way he believed life should be lived. Speedy proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After returning home, he began a career with Southern Bell Telephone Company, where he worked for many years. In 1974, Speedy and his beloved wife, Joyce, entered into a partnership with Joyce's sister and brother-in-law, Loyce and Pete Harris, purchasing the CB Grocery Store. After several years, Speedy sold his share of the business so that he and Joyce could pursue a dream they had long shared—traveling the country together. And travel they did. With their beloved Airstream trailer in tow, Speedy and Joyce spent years exploring the United States, eventually visiting all 48 continental states. They were proud members of the Airstream Club, traveling from rally to rally where fellow Airstream owners from across the nation gathered to camp, share stories, and enjoy the friendships that naturally formed along the way. Their travels created countless memories and lifelong friendships, and until their health no longer allowed them to travel, there was always another destination waiting. Whenever they returned home, Speedy would often go to work for Woodall Construction just long enough to fund their next adventure. For him, work was never just about earning a paycheck—it was a means to continue making memories with the love of his life. Those who knew Speedy and Joyce knew they were truly inseparable. They were partners in every sense of the word, perfectly complementing one another through a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Above all, Speedy was a man of faith. He and Joyce were faithful members of the Lomax Church of Christ, where they worshipped alongside their church family for many years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of many years, Joyce Gilliam; his son, Gary Gilliam; his nephew, Jerry (Erin) Harris of Bartlett, Tennessee; along with many extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lee Gilliam; and his brother, James "Jim" Gilliam, Sr. Visitation with the Gilliam family will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Lomax Church of Christ in Hohenwald. Burial, with United States Navy funeral honors, will immediately follow at Downey Cemetery. Though Speedy's travels carried him across nearly every corner of the country, the greatest journey of his life was the one he shared with Joyce. Together they built a life rooted in faith, strengthened by hard work, and filled with adventure. He approached every day with patience, purpose, and a commitment to doing things the right way. His quiet strength, gentle spirit, unwavering work ethic, and enduring example will be treasured and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Claude "Speedy" Homer Gilliam Jr.

November 29, 1930 - July 19, 2026