Bobby Gilliam of Waco passed away Wednesday surrounded by his family on August 13, 2014.
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Sunday, August 17th at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Travis Franklin officiating.
The family will receive friends: 6 to 8p.m. Saturday, August 16th at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
He is survived by his one true love Linda, whom he married on May 24, 1974, in Waco. They went to school together, worked together and shared an incredible journey of love together, recently celebrating their 40th anniversary. They had four children Luke and wife Jennifer of McKinney, Texas, and daughters Rebekah of Austin and Leah of Dallas as well as late daughter Rachel. Pops had two grandchildren Caroline and Travis. His family was the joy of this life and his proudest accomplishment.
He is survived by his parents Bobby Joe and Roma of Robinson. Bubba is survived by his sisters Sharon Krumnow and husband Roy of Robinson, Glenda Huang and husband George of Robinson, and Gina Ward and husband Ted of Cedar Park, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is survived by sister-in-law Julie Howington and husband Michael of Waco. He was preceded in death by his in-laws Richard and Jeannie Trimble.
Bobby Ray Gilliam was born Oct. 6, 1952, in Coronado, California. Bobby graduated from Robinson High School in 1971. He earned his Bachelor’s of Sociology from Baylor in 1976 and Masters of Science in Social Work from UT-Arlington in 1978.
He spent his entire 37-year social work career helping at-risk, neglected, and abused children. He was called a visionary, advocate, servant leader, mentor, friend, and hero by those he worked with and the children he served. Thirty of those years were spent at Methodist Children’s Home in Waco. He was named President and CEO in 2003 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2010. During his tenure, Methodist Home tripled the number of children in its residential, foster care, and community services. He also oversaw the care of children released from the Branch Davidian Compound and YFZ Compound.
His passion was helping at-risk children. Whether it was helping kids raise show animals on the Home’s Boys Ranch, starting the Home’s athletic programs, or seeing alumni graduate from college, Bobby’s joy was seeing lost children find success and purpose through developing their own strengths. He was recognized numerous times for his contributions to the field of child care and published many articles on the power of a strength-based child care philosophy. He was named Wacoan of the Year in 2008 by Wacoan Magazine. The Coalition for Residential Education (CORE) named him Administrator of the Year in 2006 and awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Upon his retirement, the City of Waco declared April 30, 2010, Bobby Gilliam Day and he was cited by the Texas Bishops of the Methodist Church for his service. He also received a proclamation from Governor Rick Perry that read in part “Congratulation on your retirement after a distinguished career as a friend and advocate of at-risk, abused or neglected children. Your compassion and dedication highlight the best of the Lone Star State.”
He was also the Director of Operations for Mooseheart Child City and School in Mooseheart, Ill., from 2000-2003, where he oversaw sweeping change at the almost 100-year-old organization.
He enjoyed coaching sports, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, camping, traveling the country, and riding his motorcycle across North America with friends and his dad.
A special note of thanks to all the family and friends that helped provide care, support, prayers, meals and hugs as Bobby’s health declined.
Memorials should be made to the Heart of Texas Parkinson’s and Caregiver Support Group at HOTPACS 101 South Lakeview Waco, TX 76705 or the Methodist Children’s Home.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Place of Service: First United Methodist Church of Waco , 4901 Cobbs Drive; Waco, TX 76710
Print Obituary & Condolences
Luke and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with all of you.
Thank you
Such a grand person from such a grand family. My heart goes out to all of you in your grief.
Pam McPeak(from Adrian, too many years ago)
Thank you
My heart is saddened at the loss of such an outstanding man. When I think of Bobby Gilliam, the word ‘immense’ comes to mind. He was immense in compassion, strength and courage. His smile, his presence when he walked into a room, the dream he fulfilled – all immense! MCH was blessed to have him lead in the ‘work of angels’ as he so eloquently called our mission. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched. May God grant His loving peace and comfort to your family through this very difficult time and through the days to come.
Barbara Kostecka
MCH Boys Ranch
Thank you Barbara.
Luke and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayer for you and your family is that as time passes your grief will be replaced with the great memories of the many wonderful times spent with your Father and the peace of knowing the value of his very purpose driven life.
Thank you
The world lost one its greatest irrational advocates! No matter how long you knew Bobby Gilliam, he made you feel loved. Praying for everyone’s hearts as we grieve the loss of one who made a difference. Hugs to you Linda and your family. Mr. Gilliam knew the treasure he had in you and his face always told of his affection and love when he looked at you.
Ahh. Thank you for the kind words.
Luke and family,
Sending prayers up for you. Your dad sounds like an amazing man.
Mr.Gilliam was a great man who never met a stranger and was always full of jokes ,yes an angel of god he was, he was loved by everyone he touch in his life by the love he gave,you are gone but never forgotten.I worked at the Methodist Home my prayers are with the family .
Thank you
Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr.Gilliam praying for the family ,I worked at the Methodist Home my name is Alice Gilton a great man of GOD he was, words can not tell it all,I give you your roses
Thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss! May you all find comfort in God’s loving arms! He will be greatly missed by so many of us that he blessed at the Methodist Home!
Thank you
My heart goes out to Linda and the Gilliam family. I have fond memories of Bobby and each and every one of you. You will always be considered family to me. I truly felt a profound sense of loss this past week. Deep down inside I am glad to know Bobby is with Jesus.
Thank you.
Bobby was such great role model for many of kids at MCH. I wanted to Give thanks to family members of Mr. Bobby’s family for sharing him with us; the kids at methodiest home. I thought him as father figure when I was at MCH. I was aodpted from korea and Mr Bobby and Mark Ervi help me find my mother in Korea. I give a thanks to God for letting me have chance to know such a caring, loving person to take care of us at MCH. My deep sorrows and condolence for the family, and may God be with yull in time of sorrows.
Thank you. I remember you and their search for your mom. Hope you are well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bobby was a great man and helped so many childern. Had great times with all of you durning little league. He will be missed. James Tindell Family
Thank you. He thought the world of you.
We are so sorry to hear of Bobby Ray’s passing. We have good memories of times spent together years ago. May God bless and comfort all his family.
Thank you
Sorry to hear about your loss. Went to Robinson with Bobby. May God Give you Peace during this difficult time.
Thanks Brenda.
Our prayers are with your family. Bobby was a great man and will be missed by all of us.
Pat Close
MHBR
Thanks Pat.
Luke and family,
It’s sounds like your father was a terrific husband, father and grandfather. He did so much for so many others. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in this difficult time.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. I have been away and just learned of the service. I heard it was a beautiful service. Sorry I was not there. I just read the obit and watched the video, a purposeful life lived for children. Please know I’m praying you and Becca through this time of grief. Love to you both.
Thank you.
Linda,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God bless you all.
So sorry to learn that Bobby passed away. He was a good man as I remember him in the time he and my ex wife , Susie worked at the Home. I’ll never forget after my daughter Monica died how he came to visit everyday just say Hi or to see how we were doing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I know that Monica is showing him around up there in heaven. Peace be with you, Sonny …
Thank you.
Luke and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I never met your dad but I’m certain he was as an amazing man as he sounds. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike, Jodi, and the girls
My heart is aching in hearing the news of Mr. Gilliam’s passing. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you, the Gilliam family. Bobby was a remarkable man! A man of such inner strength and faith. While working with him at Mooseheart Child City and School, I saw how he lived this faith every day. He was man of /integrity/. He genuinely cared about the children he worked for and for the people he worked with. I admire the man Mr. Gilliam was and respected the work he did and all he stood for. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work along side Mr. Gilliam and to have been touch by him in this life. I pray I can only live my life in the example he gave by living life in the remarkable way he did. Rest in peace Bobby.
Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear of Bobby’s death. His mom and my mom were first cousins. May God’s peace comfort the family during the days and weeks ahead.
To the Gilliam Family on the passing of your wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Inspiration too many.
Words cannot lessen the sorrow of losing Bobby. As time goes by, may you find comfort in the memories of all the things that made him special. Have faith that you will someday see him again. Let the memories of the years you’ve shared wash over your heart and soul, let the knowledge that you are in our prayers, help you to console.
Let Bobby’s spirit fill you with strength and love. May it help the pain decrease, as each day that brings a glorious dawn, creates an inner peace.
Rest in Peace our Mooseheart Director, Mr. Gilliam.
Mr. Gilliam’s Mooseheart Sons and Daughters