David T. Gilliam

David T. Gilliam, 49, of Watertown, Tenn., formerly of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at his home after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Anders Gilliam.

He was a 1981 graduate of East Henderson High School and later Western Carolina University. He worked as a production engineering manager, most recently at Permobile in Lebanon, Tenn. He had a great love of the animals on and off his farm, as well as boating and fishing. He was also a lifelong member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Zirconia.

He is survived by his father Gene Gilliam and his wife, Ann; his brother, Doug Gilliam and his wife, Cathy; his sister, Renee Nolan and her husband, Neal, all of Hendersonville; four nieces and nephews, Megan Hill and her husband, Kurt, Miranda Mayo and her husband, GW, Zach Gilliam, Ariel Nolan; three great-nieces and nephews, Lance Hill, Camden Hill, Mahaylee Mayo; and many other loving family members.

The family wishes to extend our most sincere gratitude to Harry "Buzz" Bean and Frances Cobble and all of David's friends in Tennessee for the wonderful support and care he was given.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Blair Stewart and Reverend Roy Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 2801.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.