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Michael Conrad Gilliam of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on June 14. He was 48.
Born June 29, 1967, to Deborah Williams in Southampton, he attended Southampton High School where he excelled in basketball and, during his junior year, he was offered letters of intent to play college ball. He had a love for the outdoors and would walk the roads, stop and talk to everyone he met along the way.
From 1989 to 1991 he participated in Golden Gloves boxing, winning at least four fights under trainers in Mastic-Shirley. Survivors said he was always determined to be a winner and he worked hard at it every day.
He was employed at Okey’s Plumbing, Shinnecock Community Center, and Jiffy Lube, and he earned a certificate in plumbing at a trade school in Riverhead.
Survivors said he was known for his sense of style, his wittiness and constantly brushing his hair; as well as for polishing his cars, rain or shine.
Known as “Gil,” Mr. Gilliam is survived by his mother, Deborah; stepfather Arthur; a sister, Shakota; two sons, Namitchuan and Michael Jr.; granddaughter Londyn; grandson Kyren; daughter-in-law Parris; great-aunt Mary Hopson; stepsister Nicole Williams; stepbrothers, Naiche and Nakia Williams; nephews Naewan and Major; fiancée Adriene Hartwell; as well as many aunts, uncles and a mountain of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation and service were on June 20 at Community Baptist Church in Southampton, followed by interment at Shinnecock Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Jun 23, 2016