Merle E Gilliam
Merle E. Gilliam 1928 – 2022 PHIPPSBURG – Merle E. Gilliam, age 94, of Phippsburg, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2022, at the Garden in Brunswick. Merle was the eldest son of Oscar and Mina Gilliam, born in Phippsburg on January 29, 1928. Merle graduated from Morse High School in 1946. After graduation, Merle proudly worked alongside his father, Oscar, fishing in the coast of Maine. On November 10, 1950, he married his soul mate, June McIntyre, and the couple made their home in Phippsburg to raise their family. In 1952, Merle was drafted into the United States Army during the war. Returning home, Merle returned to the ocean until 2012 when he retired at the age of 83. Merle enjoyed hunting in his spare time. He was an avid duck hunter, he took great pride in hunting a deer and loved reliving the hunt through stories. He could also be found every morning at the gas station for the “morning meeting” with the gang. Although he worked every day in the ocean and enjoyed doing it, he really enjoyed a day off work to go tuna fishing, catching 107 in the same year was his all-time record. Merle also enjoyed growing her own vegetables in a five by five garden, she definitely had a green thumb. Feeding the animals was also something he enjoyed, no squirrel or bird went hungry in his garden. Merle will be missed by all those who loved him. Merle predeceased his wife June on April 23, 2018; one son, Michael E. Gilliam on November 8, 2016. Leaves children, Greg W. Gilliam and his wife Irene and Brett M. Gilliam and his wife Abby, both of Phippsburg; a brother, Glenn Gilliam; a daughter-in-law, Julie Gilliam; grandchildren, Eric W. Gilliam, Denise L. Hurd, Constance R. Gilliam, Cameron M. Gilliam, Spencer R. Gilliam, and Victoria A. Gilliam; and great-grandchildren, Annika F. Gilliam, Joseph Rice, Anora Rice, Peyton Hurd, and Violet Hurd. Merle truly believed in helping others and through a donation each year to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, he made dreams come true. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at 1 pm, at Small Point Baptist Church in Phippsburg. To share his thoughts and condolences with the family, visit http://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com. So, in honor of Merle, anyone who wishes to make a donation in his memory, please do so to Saint Jude Hospital or the Phippsburg Firefighters Association, PO Box 83 Phippsburg, Maine 04562
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