SR1557 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1557 LRB101 23194 MST 74335 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Taft Rosco Gilliam, who passed away on December 3, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam was born in Bellefonte, Virginia to Marvin Taft and Emma Mae Gilliam (Winston) on November 1, 1937; he graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Management in 1959; he was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity; he joined the U.S. Army on April 5, 1960 and married Theola "Pixie" Rainey on May 26, 1962; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam spent 27 years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Colonel; his career took him to numerous other countries, including deployments to Taiwan, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Korea, and West Germany; his domestic assignments included time in California, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Alabama; while serving his country, he earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1977 and various diplomas from the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and more; he retired from the U.S. Army on August 31, 1987; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam received numerous medals and commendations, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Legion of Merit; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam's pastimes included golfing, reading, visiting museums, and fussing at the news; he also mastered the art of masonry; upon retirement, he and his wife became the custodians of three of their grandchildren; he will be most remembered for his courage, his integrity, and his love of country; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Pixie; his parents; and his siblings, Willy Gilliam, Lucy Wells, Frances Procise, Barbara Tucker, Daniel Gilliam, and Abraham Gilliam; and

WHEREAS, Taft Gilliam is survived by his children, Michael "MBG" Gilliam, Sean "Flipper" (Michelle) Gilliam, and Christianne "Christi Maria-a-a" Gilliam; his siblings, Helen Dabney, Andrew (Sherry) Gilliam, Haywood (Audrey) Gilliam, Gloria (Herbert) Crossland, and Barry (Shirley) Gilliam; his sisters-in-law, Dr. Averill Maxine Pritchett and Myrtle Bastien; his grandchildren, Isis Randall, Isaiah Randall, Isadora Randall, Mikayla Gilliam, Aiden Gilliam, and Isabella Lee; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Taft Rosco Gilliam and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Taft Gilliam as an expression of our deepest sympathy.