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In memory of

Daniel Lee Gilliam

New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA

February 28, 1951 - June 19, 2019

Feb 28, 1951 - Jun 19, 2019

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Mr. Daniel Lee Gilliam, Sr.

Daniel Lee Gilliam, Sr., of New Smyrna Beach, Florida was born February 28, 1951, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at the age of 68. Daniel, affectionately called “Danny” or “Dapper Dan” was predeceased in death by his parents, Juanita Paisley and Robert Lee Gilliam, and brothers, Robert L. Gilliam and Ronald E Gilliam.

Danny was a local legend who graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1969. He was an awesome basketball player that was inducted into the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame. He also attended college at SUNY Brockport. Danny was well known in the Elmira Community. Danny never met a stranger, was articulate and a sharp dresser. While living in Elmira, he conducted basketball clinics and other youth projects. He also had a love for his High School coach, Coach Jack Casey. Their relationship was more like that of a father and son that extended beyond their relationship with basketball. He also had an excellent relationship with his Brockport college coach, Mauro Panaggio and his son Mike and fellow student, Ed Jones, while at Brockport. While living in New Smyrna, Florida, Danny continued providing basketball clinics and programs to motivate disadvantaged young people.

Danny was not shy. He often crooned to those who would listen to his large repertoire of songs. He was also an accomplished orator, motivational speaker and poet. Danny had the privilege of receiving recognition from President Obama for a poem to soldiers that he wrote called “A Soldier’s Poem”.

Danny is survived by his wife Lori Ann Gilliam of Daytona Beach, FL; daughter Maria (Rosheim) Lewis of La Plata, MD; sons Shaun Marks of Elmira, NY and Daniel L. Gilliam II of La Plata, MD; granddaughters Arcana, Cianna, and Essanna; grandsons Daniel, Jalen, Khalil, Mikel, Ryan, Rosheim II; great-granddaughters Karter, Khalea, Kianna, and Kiara; siblings Elizabeth Mayo-Gilliam; Linda Truesdale (Carlton); Jeanette Robinson; Jean Brundridge (Donald); Donna Fuller (Charles); Kevin Gilliam (Kimberly); special Aunt Georgiann McGrady (Uncle Deak) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and one great-great-niece.

Homegoing services held at 2pm on Friday, June 28th at Monumental Baptist Church located at 1009 Maple Drive, Elmira, NY where Pastor Corey Cooke presides. Danny will be eulogized by his sister Pastor Linda R. Truesdale. The reception will follow at Monumental Baptist Church.

The Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A. (La Plata, MD) is acknowledged for their care and services for Danny and the family.

Special thanks to Debra Gilliam, Anna Reid, family and friends.

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