Henry Cornelius "HC" Gilliam

Henry Cornelius Gilliam Jr joined his heavenly father on February 15, 2025. Funeral services will be held on May 24, 2025, at 1pm at Pocket Presbyterian Church in Sanford, NC.

Henry, known as HC to everyone, was born on May 17, 1931, in Sanford, NC to Henry and Florence Gilliam. He is preceded in death by his wife, Anna (Anne) Gilliam, his parents and his siblings Doris Collins (Ben), Linda Bowers (Bob) and Barbara Alphin (Al).

HC grew up in the Pocket community and attended Pocket Presbyterian Church. He attended North Carolina State University, receiving his degree in Animal Husbandry in 1953. After serving in the Army for two years, he began work as a County Farm Agent, serving Hoke and Anson counties. In 1957, he developed the Rural Development pilot program for Anson County. He returned to NC State and obtained his Masters in Agricultural Economics in 1963. He was admitted into the Farm Production Economics Division at Clemson University in 1964 and completed his PhD there in 1969. HC was an expert on analyzing economic effects of livestock feed additives and production outlooks and he won numerous awards and served on many professional committees and task forces. He also published numerous books, monographs and articles on agricultural economics.

In 1966, he married the love of his life, Anna (Anne) Gray of Wadesboro, NC. They moved back to Cary, NC. HC worked with the Department of Agriculture in Economic Research Service at NC State. He remained with the Department of Agriculture in that capacity for 30 years. After his retirement, he joined the faculty of NC State as an Associate Professor Emeritus.

HC was an avid quail hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed intercollegiate athletics, particularly football and basketball. He was a strong supporter of NC State and the Clemson Tigers. He and Anne shared a love of flowers and working together in their beautiful yard.

HC was devoted to his family, his wife and his beloved son Henry Gilliam, III. He is survived by his son, and by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was a true southern gentleman, always well spoken with a quick wit and kindness toward all.

Memorials may be made to the Autism Society of NC, 5121 Kingdom Ways, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to Pocket Presbyterian Church, 669 Pocket Church Rd, Sanford, NC 27330.