Michael Ray Gilliam, 65, of Delphia, KY passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Duke University Hospital in North Carolina following a long illness. He was born in Harlan on February 20, 1960 to the late Lehman and Estelle Collins Gilliam.  He loved cooking and baking, but above all, he cherished caring for his family.  He found joy in welcoming visitors, savoring his coffee breaks, and spending time with his farm animals.

He leaves to mourn his passing, three brothers, Mark Gilliam and wife, Cathy, of Delphia; Donnie Smith and wife, Diane, of Little Leatherwood; Elmer Gilliam and wife, Fran, of Delphia; three sisters, Carolyn Lewis and husband, Kevin, of Delphia; Penny Gilliam of Delphia; Tina Polly and husband, Joe, of Slemp; one niece, Kristin Gilliam of Delphia; three nephews, Sam Cornett and wife, Judy of Delphia; Shawn Cornett of Delphia; Josh Cornett of Cumberland; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Big Leatherwood Baptist Church beginning at 6 pm until the funeral hour. His funeral service will be Tuesday at 1 pm with Elder Glenn Cornett officiating. Interment will follow at the Whitaker Gross Cemetery in Delphia with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michael Ray Gilliam.