1940
Ewell
2024
Ewell Freddy Gilliam
February 29, 1940 — April 6, 2024
Suitland, MD
Ewell Freddy Gilliam (Fred), 84, of Suitland, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday,
April 6, 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA. He was born February 29,
1940, in Saffel, Arkansas, to the late Eather and Ida Gilliam.
Fred grew up in a large, loving home in Arkansas as the youngest of nine children. He
developed his love of hunting and fishing in those early years as a need to help provide
food for the family. Frog hunting with his brothers was his favorite. Fred didn’t finish
high school until after joining the Army. As he told the story, he was in the field one day
picking cotton when he looked up and said to himself that this was not how he wanted
to spend his life. He set the bag down and walked out of the field to join the United
States Army later that year in December 1958. He would go on to obtain his GED while
in the military.
Fred married Helen R. Stone on March 1, 1962. Three children were born of this union.
They lived in California before settling in Maryland. He married Leslie D. Rowe on
August 24, 1984, who brought two children to the blended family. He worked as a high-
powered lineman for Amtrak from 1976 until his retirement in 2005.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Leslie; Son David Wayne of Thurmont, MD, Son
Ewell Keith (Missy) of Thurmont, MD; Daughter Jessica of Frederick, MD; Daughter
Shannon Wiley (JD) of Bumpass, VA; and Son Scott Wiley of Fredericksburg, VA. He
has loved his Grandchildren, Lisa and Great-Grandson Gabe Gilliam of Punxsutawney,
PA, Cody Gilliam of Frederick, MD and Cory Gilliam of Frederick, MD; Mackenzie Wiley
of Stafford, VA; Amanda Donaldson of Fredericksburg, VA and Amber Donaldson of
Virginia Beach, VA; and Ian, Brooke, and Blake Donaldson of Bumpass, VA. He also
leaves one Sister, Laura Jean McGinnis of Sheridan, Arkansas and a special Niece,
Kim Bowes, of White Plains, MD. There are a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends who mourn his loss.
He is predeceased by many family members as well as seven older Brothers and
Sisters, Sig, Nora, Stella, Woody, Mae, Bill and Charlene.
Fred was very brave in his end-of-life decisions and so proud to have been baptized two
months ago here at our home. Fred loved his God, he loved his Family, and he loved
his Country.
Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Clinton, MD, April 20,
2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. An American Legion service is being planned for 5:15 followed
by a Masonic Service at 5:30 p.m. Anyone is invited to speak later. The private burial
will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Almas Shepherds” (transportation for
Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA or the charity of your choice.
April 6, 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA. He was born February 29,
1940, in Saffel, Arkansas, to the late Eather and Ida Gilliam.
Fred grew up in a large, loving home in Arkansas as the youngest of nine children. He
developed his love of hunting and fishing in those early years as a need to help provide
food for the family. Frog hunting with his brothers was his favorite. Fred didn’t finish
high school until after joining the Army. As he told the story, he was in the field one day
picking cotton when he looked up and said to himself that this was not how he wanted
to spend his life. He set the bag down and walked out of the field to join the United
States Army later that year in December 1958. He would go on to obtain his GED while
in the military.
Fred married Helen R. Stone on March 1, 1962. Three children were born of this union.
They lived in California before settling in Maryland. He married Leslie D. Rowe on
August 24, 1984, who brought two children to the blended family. He worked as a high-
powered lineman for Amtrak from 1976 until his retirement in 2005.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Leslie; Son David Wayne of Thurmont, MD, Son
Ewell Keith (Missy) of Thurmont, MD; Daughter Jessica of Frederick, MD; Daughter
Shannon Wiley (JD) of Bumpass, VA; and Son Scott Wiley of Fredericksburg, VA. He
has loved his Grandchildren, Lisa and Great-Grandson Gabe Gilliam of Punxsutawney,
PA, Cody Gilliam of Frederick, MD and Cory Gilliam of Frederick, MD; Mackenzie Wiley
of Stafford, VA; Amanda Donaldson of Fredericksburg, VA and Amber Donaldson of
Virginia Beach, VA; and Ian, Brooke, and Blake Donaldson of Bumpass, VA. He also
leaves one Sister, Laura Jean McGinnis of Sheridan, Arkansas and a special Niece,
Kim Bowes, of White Plains, MD. There are a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends who mourn his loss.
He is predeceased by many family members as well as seven older Brothers and
Sisters, Sig, Nora, Stella, Woody, Mae, Bill and Charlene.
Fred was very brave in his end-of-life decisions and so proud to have been baptized two
months ago here at our home. Fred loved his God, he loved his Family, and he loved
his Country.
Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Clinton, MD, April 20,
2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. An American Legion service is being planned for 5:15 followed
by a Masonic Service at 5:30 p.m. Anyone is invited to speak later. The private burial
will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Almas Shepherds” (transportation for
Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA or the charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ewell Freddy Gilliam, please visit our flower store.
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Saturday, April 20, 2024
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
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