Lonnie Paul Gilliam

Lonnie Paul Gilliam, 53, passed away into the loving arms of his Savior, on Monday, September 18, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is no longer bound by a wheelchair and is walking on the streets of Gold!
Lonnie was born on Thursday, December 4, 1969, to Melvin C and Victoria (Hackworth) Gilliam in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Carney, Oklahoma, and was an only child. Lonnie was dedicated to the Lord in 1973, at the age of 4, by Brother Lonnie Donaldson. At 4 ½ years old, he asked Jesus into his heart and was baptized in the Holy Spirt. Lonnie always lived a life on fire for the Lord and was a good Christian man.
When Lonnie was a child, he loved to follow his grandpa around, work on cars, learn mechanics, and feed calves. He owned a horse named Trixie who was born in April of 1969, just 8 months before he was. Lonnie and his beloved Trixie grew up together and she preceded Lonnie in death in 1998. In the mid-1980s, Lonnie traveled and ministered with the Tryon Assembly of God Church's puppet program. Lonnie graduated from Carney High School in 1988. He moved to Chandler, Oklahoma in 2000, and worked for Hiland Dairy in Chandler for 11 years.
Lonnie was a very independent man. He wasn't happy unless he was doing something and did more in a wheelchair than most did standing up. He mastered the use of a zero-turn mower and could often be spotted mowing lawns and doing yard work. A resident of Chandler for 23 years, he loved his town. He was known to be an inspiration, great neighbor, great friend, and a bright light. Lonnie could frequently be seen walking his "3 girls", his fur-babies, Maggie, Silkey, and Lilly around town. He also helped to keep the handicap accessible ramps clean and usable around town. Lonnie's presence will truly be missed.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his father, Melvin C. Gilliam, and his grandparents, Hank and Marie Hackworth.
He is survived by his mother, Vickie Gilliam, and his "3 girls", Maggie, Silkey, and Lilly, as well as a host of other family members and friends.