Cameron Lane McIlquham of Cumberland, Kentucky, passed away on August 24, 2022 at the young age of thirty-two following a bout with Covid, which ultimately caused complications due to a prior heart condition. Cameron was born in Pineville, Kentucky, on September 13, 1989 to Eddie McIlquham and Kimberly Turner McIlquham. He grew up in Shelby County and  was an only child who never met a stranger. At a young age, Cameron displayed a talent for music. Dr. David Hedrick, former professor of voice at Campbellsville University and director of vocal music at Shelby County High School, approached Cameron's parents while he was in the fourth grade, asking if they would allow him to attend public schools where he would receive advanced vocal training. Cameron could play any instrument he picked up and became a member of the Shelby County High School marching band while in the sixth grade. He was gifted with a lovely voice and was a member of the men's a cappella group, OPUS 3. He attended the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts and was a participant with the Kentucky All-State Chorus for six years. Music was a constant theme in Cameron's life. Composing music was one of his favorite things to do.

Cameron had received a full vocal scholarship to the University of Louisville but after graduating from Shelby County High School, he decided to try his hand in the U.S. Navy. He was discharged due to an existing medical condition and so he moved back to Harlan County, to the mountains he loved in southeastern Kentucky. He took a job with the Forestry Division for several years.  Cameron was passionate and very knowledgeable about all vehicles, especially Ford. He loved spending time at the lake, fishing, tubing, and hanging out with his friends. He enjoyed his job, loved his family, and took great pleasure in hopping in his car, rolling the windows down, turning the music up, and singing. Cameron's death leaves a void that can never be filled in the lives of those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Sue Coker; two grandfathers, Troy McIlquham and Johnny Rance Turner; and an uncle, Mike McIlquham.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Kim Turner McIlquham (Jack Scalf); his father, Eddie McIlquham and wife, Mia; two children: Ava and Liam McIlquham; grandparents, Sondra and Larry Davis; uncles: John Turner (Deanna), Bobby (Lisa) McIlquham, Freddie Coker, and Troy McIlquham, Jr. (Mindy); an aunt, Kelly Coker; special cousins, Bobby Joe and Jesse McIlquham, who were more like brothers; many other cousins whom he loved; a dear friend, Clay Williams; and a host of extended relatives and many dear friends.

In accordance with Cameron's wishes, he was cremated and a Celebration of Life service will take place on October 1, 2022 at the Tri City Funeral Home in Benham, KY. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00, with the service beginning at 3:00PM.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the McIlquham family.