Bruce Trenton Gilliam

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Trenton Gilliam, age 70, of Tulsa Oklahoma. After unexpectedly suffering a series of heart attacks, Bruce left this world surrounded by loving family, and stepped into eternity where he was greeted by friends and family who have gone on before.

Bruce was born on November 20th, 1950, in Detroit Michigan to Jess and Betty Gilliam. After his childhood in Michigan, Bruce proudly served his country as a member of The United States Marine Corps, and shortly after his discharge, met and married his beautiful bride Judy. All who knew Bruce and Judy, or "Juce and Brudy " as they became affectionately known, were blessed to have them in their lives, and it was ALWAYS a treat to get together with them for food, fellowship, and laughter. Whether it was playing board games, or sitting around a fire pit together telling stories, Bruce and Judy left behind so many fantastic memories for those who were lucky enough to have known and loved them.

If you were to ask someone to describe Bruce, the first thing most people would mention would be his unmistakable love for the fine art of telling a good "Dad joke". Of course, after delivering the punch line, Bruce would be the loudest one laughing. His intelligence and love of the English language also gave him a fond appreciation for sharing witty one liners, and he always found a way to interject his humor into any conversation. His laughter and that twinkle in his eye will be in our minds and hearts forever.

Bruce was known for his positive, upbeat attitude, even when things didn't go his way. If one door closed, Bruce would be quick to look for another opportunity, and he would seamlessly transition to another endeavor. He looked for the best in everyone he met and was passionate about helping others find their purpose.

After 44 years of a marriage full of adventures, setbacks, victories, and raising two fine young men, Judy went on to her heavenly reward in 2016, leaving Bruce to find a new path without her glowing light beside him. Soon after, he met and married Carolyn, and he began the final leg of his journey on this earth, with new adventures, new friends, new family members, and the joys that came along with being a grandfather. Anyone who knew Bruce could quickly see that this new role was one he relished. After navigating the crushing loss of his beloved Judy, Bruce was once again happy and fulfilled.

In addition to Judy, Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Betty, an infant sister, Donna, and his beautiful sister Gina. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn, sons Jeremy (Sarah) of Garland, Texas, and Steven of Sperry Oklahoma.

Surviving siblings are Kevin Gilliam of Wellington Colorado, Michelle Young of Frostproof Florida, and Darrell (Mary) Gilliam of Jones Oklahoma. Bruce is also survived by large extended families on Judy's side, as well as Carolyn's.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held on Friday May 28th, at 2:00 PM, at Schaudt's Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial, Tulsa OK, 74145. He will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, where Juce and Brudy will be reunited. Please join us to send off this great man, who meant so much to all of us.

We are confident Bruce is hearing the words of the Lord, which he happily anticipated, "Well done thou good and faithful servant...Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"