Gary “Blue” Gilliam was born in Passaic, New Jersey on January 20, 1960, son of the late Jay Rue and Frances (nee Richardson) Gilliam. On Friday, January 19, 2018, God called Gary home for eternal rest surrounded by his family in Apopka, Florida.
Known to many as “Blue”, Gary received his nickname from childhood friends in the Passaic school system, and he would later g on to use this name for professional usage in a few of his interests such as automotive vehicles and businesses. He also showed a strong love for horses; once caring for colts as well as expressing his fondness through various artwork.
In the late 70s to the early 80s, Gary was involved with the United Street Racers in Passaic, New Jersey where he constructed his first show car and submitted it along with other cars in numerous auto shows statewide. Within the decade, Gary quickly became an avid drag racer lasting to the present day by racing up and down the North East Circuit and participating in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) as an active member.
In 1986, Gary moved to Florida with Linda and four children, where he continued to pursue his dreams as a businessman. He would become a manager of a local garage for over ten years called Lubricar, which caused to pave the way for Gary to establish his own garage in 1996, Blue Magic Oil and Lube Express. The title later became Blue Magic Auto Repair. Years following, Gary held an abundant number of jobs as a man of many talents; most recently being employed by Woodcraft Design Furnishings.
In 2005, Gary joined in holy matrimony with Linda Wiesenthal.
Gary is predeceased by his parents Jay Rue Gilliam, Frances (nee Richardson) Gilliam, and his brother Ronald Gilliam.
Gary leaves cherished memories: his wife, Linda Gilliam; four children Janine Bovasso, Tereza Ervin, Danny (Katrina) Wiesenthal, Courtney (Carmine) Russo; eight grandchildren, all of Orlando, Florida. He also leaves seven sister, Gwendolyn (Robert) Gardener of Windsor, Connecticut, Constance Moss of Passaic, New Jersey, Hilda Jones of Passaic, New Jersey, Linda (James) King of Union, New Jersey, Denise (Keith) Lee of Passaic, New Jersey, Janice Gilliam of Passaic, New Jersey, Deidra (Coy) Rudd of West Orange, New Jersey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.