Obituary of Floyd Buford Gilliam

Floyd (Buford) Gilliam 11/18/1937-8/12/2023 Age 85 went to heaven after a brief illness. He was born in Fayette, Alabama and attended the Alabama School for the Deaf. He obtained a degree from Gallaudet University. Buford taught at the Alabama School for the Deaf and at E.H. Gentry Technical Facility. He retired after 26 years of service. He also was a car dealer as well as an independent salesman at Colonial Chevrolet/Buick. He was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal newspaper for his accomplishments as a businessman. Buford was inducted into ASD Hall of Fame, was awarded Emeritus status by Gallaudet University, and was an ardent leader for the Deaf. Buford was a bigger than life figure. Buford is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith, sons Darrin B. Gilliam (Rhonda) and Dennis A. Gilliam (Debbie), 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces. He was preceded by his parents, Rillious and Clemmie Phillips Gilliam, sister Faye Eason, brothers Farrell, Brack and Joseph. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 17 at Usrey Funeral Home Chapel in Talladega, the family will receive visitors starting at 10:00 A.M. and the service will begin at 11:00 A.M. The service will be officiated by Jason Roop. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Buford Gilliam to the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, P.O. Box 698 Talladega, AL 35161 or www.aidb.org under the donations tab. Please select the "use where needed most" option and type Mr. Gilliam's name in the "Tribute Name" box. Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega will direct the services.