Manson Gilliam

Obituaries

Wednesday, 16 June 2021 05:26

Manson L. Gilliam, 96 of Athens, born on Wednesday, February 4, 1925, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
Manson served in the United Sates Army in WWII with the 101st Airborne Division, 377 Parachute Field Artillery Battalion in Europe. He was in the Battle at Bastogne, Belgium where allied forces were surrounded by German armored divisions, demanding unconditional surrender when United States Commander McAuliffe gave his cryptic rely, “NUTS” as the 01st dug in and held off the German offensive. Months earlier in Operation Market Garden, he parachuted behind German lines in the liberation of Holland. Manson also served in the Korean War, was stationed later in Nuremburg and retired at Redstone Arsenal in after 20 years of military service. Manson’s daughters said their father rarely spoke about his military service until prompted by his sons-in-law, and then he would fondly share personal stories about colleagues he served with decades ago.
Manson became a born-again Christian in 1962 and joined West Huntsville Baptist Church. After relocating to Athens, he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He loved his family and friends, enjoyed golf in retirement and will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.
He is survived by his wife, Lanell Gilliam; daughters, Linda (Tom) Thrailkill, Mary (Larry) Powers, Sandy (Greg) Yarbrough, DeeDee (Russ) Patty, Elizabeth Gilliam; grandchildren, Ashley (Scott) Hudson, Lea (Dennis) Fuqua, David (Clare) Powers, Grant (Bridget) Pritchard, Amy Berry, Brooklyn (Brenton) Grace, Jonathan Powers, Alex Patty, Riley Adams; 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Gilliam; daughter, Shirley Hart.
Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the American Legion, the Mental Health Association, Civitan Club or Meals on Wheels.