Mr. Chauncey Ray Gilliam

Chauncey Ray Gilliam, a native of Bethel, North Carolina, was born on August 28, 1954, to the late Jasper Earl Gilliam Sr. and Janie Mae Highsmith Beach. He departed this life at his home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. His mother faithfully served Almighty God and believed that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died on the cross and rose again for our salvation. Janie instilled this faith in her children. Through her example, Chauncey learned to worship and serve Christ from an early age and gave his life to Jesus Christ at Mt. Zion U.H. Church. Chauncey attended elementary school at Bethel Union High and graduated from North Pitt High School in Bethel, North Carolina, in May 1972. He attended Fayetteville State University from 1972 to 1976, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in social science. While there, he continued to serve Christ as a member of the university’s Gospel Choir. Chauncey never met a stranger. A natural ambassador of friendship, he sought to befriend everyone he encountered. This gift served him well wherever he traveled—from vacations in Germany, Switzerland, and France to festivals in Brazil and beaches throughout the Caribbean. He talked and laughed with people wherever he went; laughter and travel were among his greatest joys. Chauncey’s career included roles as both an educator and an administrator. As the first person in his family to earn a college degree, he strongly emphasized the value of education—a responsibility he took seriously, as his nieces and nephews can attest. Those who knew him also remember that he never let anyone forget he had done it first! He made each of his nieces and nephews feel special, profoundly influenced their lives, and instilled in them the importance of education. He began his career teaching elementary school in Decatur, Georgia, before joining the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in New York City. During his 26 years there, he served as a trading floor reporter, a specialist with the Kellogg Group firm, and a Department of Transportation Services compliance coordinator. After retiring from the New York Stock Exchange, he returned to his first love—education—and served as a substitute teacher for the Martin County School System until his final roll call from heaven. Hobgood Charter School offered a special tribute, expressing condolences and gratitude for the patience, care, encouragement, and love he shared with students, faculty, and the school community. Other principals, administrators, and faculty members expressed similar sentiments. He was also a devoted caregiver to his mother during her golden years. Chauncey was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper Gilliam Sr. and Janie Beach; his sister, Diane Gilliam; and his brother, Glenn Gilliam. Chauncey leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Jasper E. Gilliam Jr. of Hamden, Connecticut, and Walter L. Gilliam (Ella) of Stokesdale, North Carolina; nieces, Vickie Peele of New Haven, Connecticut, Sharon Gilliam of the home, Sonya Gilliam Maye (Linwood) of Ayden, North Carolina, Kristen Gilliam of Newport News, Virginia, Autumn Gilliam of Mableton, Georgia, Nicole Parker of Greenville, North Carolina, and Darlene Huskey (Michael) of New Haven, Connecticut; nephews, Cortland Gilliam of Carrboro, North Carolina, and Austin Gilliam of Norfolk, Virginia; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and countless friends.

Mr. Chauncey Ray Gilliam

August 28, 1954 - August 18, 2026