Milton Darrell Gilliam, II

Milton Darrell “Chip” Gilliam II, 43, passed away peacefully January 7, 2026 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia following a brief illness. He is now in his Heavenly home.

Chip was born on July 6, 1982 to Darrell and Diana Gilliam. Chip loved fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. His kind spirit and great sense of humor could brighten the darkest day if you were fortunate enough to cross his path. Family and friends were particularly important to him and he enjoyed spending time with each one.

He was a lifelong resident of Abingdon, and a 2001 graduate of Abingdon High School. Chip was employed as an over-the-road truck driver until he retired due to poor health. As a child, Chip was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Abingdon, Virginia and always thought of this church as his “church home”.

Chip was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Gilliam. His grandparents, Taylor and Katherine Reynolds and Emerson and Ollie Gilliam. The recent deaths of his aunt, Virginia Rosenbaum and his uncle, Gary Abel, were especially difficult for him. Knowing that he is now strolling in Heaven with each of these is a great source of comfort for his family.

He is survived by his mother, Diana Reynolds Gilliam; His wife, April Johnson Gilliam; His children whom he loved with all his heart, son Grayson Darrell Gilliam and daughter Taylor Katherine Gilliam. His step-son Nathan Murry, Father and Mother-In-Law, Kenny and Carolyn Johnson. Four sisters, Kristin Clevinger (Jeremy), Sabrina Roark (Rick), Lisa Tyler (Greg), Michelle Hefler (Andy). Special Uncle Mike Reynolds (Lora), who guided him as a father figure after the death of Chip’s dad. Aunts Phyllis Hearl (Allan), and Vickie Abel. His nephews Keegan Clevinger, Evan Gilliam and Blake Roark. Nieces Marinda Szilagyi, Chandra Tyler, and Charlee Holden. Great Nephew Connor Gilliam. Special cousins David Abel, Matthew Abel, Michael Hearl, Holly Reynolds and Dalton Reynolds.

Visitation with the family will be held beginning at 6:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. at Farris Funeral Service - Main Street Chapel with Preacher Willis Osborne officiating. Pallbearers will be David Abel, Matthew Abel, Jeremy Clevinger, Keegan Clevinger, Michael Hearl, Dalton Reynolds, and Evan Gilliam. Burial will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park immediately after the service.

The family of Milton “Chip” Gilliam is being cared for by Farris Funeral Services Main Street location 427 E. Main Street Abingdon, Va 276-623-2700.