Donald Earl Gilliam, age 64, of Blue Ridge, was born in Copper Basin Hospital on July 28, 1958, to the late Eddie Gilliam and Loretta Patterson Gilliam Farness. He lived a full, prosperous, productive, and faithful life until he passed from this earthly realm on January 9, 2023, at Northside Hospital in Canton, GA. He was a longtime member, and most recently an elder, of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ.

Donny began working at his father's Gilliam Amoco and Service Center on West First Street when Donny was only ten years old. After he graduated from West Fannin High School in 1976, he continued working until he became owner and operator after his father retired. Donny sold the station in 1997 and retired in order to pursue other interests. Even after his "retirement," Donny continued helping folks by repairing and maintaining their cars.

Donny was a member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ fellowship his entire life. He served in numerous capacities. For decades he served as a board member for the North Georgia Bible Camp, particularly Camp Wetoga. He taught Bible school for years, directed Vacation Bible Schools, and worked at the Bible camps when in session. He made multiple mission trips to Key West. Donny also served intermittently as an associate minister and youth minister at the Blue Ridge church, then accepted appointments as deacon and, finally, elder.

Donny's a cappella singing made him a much-loved and sought-after song leader for worship. Not only was he an excellent singer, but he also could play many instruments though he had no formal instruction! Guitar, banjo, violin, bass...Donny could play them all!

Beginning in 1999 and continuing for 18 years, Donny donned a red suit and white beard in order to delight children as Santa Claus. He was a favorite "mall Santa" in Philadelphia and Atlanta. He was so authentic that his image appeared nationally on billboards at one time. Later, Donny posed as Santa for his wife Cindy's photography shop.

As a civic-minded person, Donny served for several years on the Planning Board for the City of Blue Ridge. Many people never knew that Donny was proficient in sign-language and that he signed for the deaf during worship.

Donny adored his family. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Delores Gilliam Miller; a nephew Trent Miller; and mother-in-law Barbara Stuart.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Cindy Stuart Gilliam; his loving son Christian Stuart Gilliam; father-in-law Bob (Libby) Stuart; brothers-in-law Terry (Margaret) Stuart and David (Robin) Stuart; nephew Devin (Kristana ) Stuart; nieces C.J. (Alan) Nichols, Noelle (Jason) Ziegler, Emmeline Stuart, Maggie Beth Stuart, and Blair Stuart; great-niece Katie Nichols; and his special friends at the Burger King Coffee Club.

Memorial services will be conducted on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM from the Blue Ridge Church of Christ with Min. Terry Stuart and Min. Danny Cline officiating. Congregational music will be led by Jason Osgatharp. The family will visit with friends at the church building on Friday evening from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Wetoga-North Georgia Bible Camp.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was entrusted with the arrangements.