André Vincent Gilliam was born on February 9, 1960, to the late Fannie Ann (Gilliam) Morton.He was called to rest on May 20, 2025.

Andre accepted Christ at an early age of nine and joined Sharon Baptist Church. In his later years, he • faithfully attended Sunday School and weekly Bible study sessions, deepening his walk with God. He was especially proud to serve as a member of the Missionary Ministry, a role he embraced with sincerity, humility, and wholehearted commitment.

Earlier in life, André attended Cumberland County Public Schools, where he was part of the first wave of students to integrate. During his childhood, he developed a lifelong love for sports, which shaped his high school years as a dedicated athlete. He played several sports but mainly basketball, football, and baseball, proudly wearing number thirty-four on the basketball court as part of a state championship-winning team.

André graduated in 1978 as a proud Duke, carrying his school spirit with him throughout his life.

In 1979, André enlisted in the United States Army. During his service, he traveled to several countries, with Europe and Korea holding a special place in his heart. Along the way, he built lifelong bonds with friends who became like family, relationships he cherished throughout his life.

While abroad, he continued to nurture his passion for many sports, especially baseball. What many didn't know is that during his military career.

André also became an accomplished fashion model (and had the photos to prove it). This unique experience helped solidify his smooth nickname, "Dre Cool," also known as "Cool Dre. After 14 years of dedicated service to his country, André was honorably discharged from the Army.

André went on to enroll at Longwood College, now University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating, he began his lifelong career as a Community Development Planner with the Piedmont Planning District Commission (now known as the Commonwealth Regional Council).

Over the course of more than 20 years, André built lasting relationships with coworkers and community members alike, leaving a meaningful mark through his work and character.

Both before and after his retirement, André remained deeply engaged in his community, playing a key role in advancing development across several counties. His efforts supported major initiatives including the Crewe Industrial Park, the Nottoway EBY Town Housing Project, and the Moton Museum, to name a few. He was committed to securing grants aimed at improving housing and living conditions in under-resourced areas and expanding access to well water in underserved communities. Though André was recognized many times for his contributions, he remained humble. He was especially honored to receive the Director's Award for his work on the restoration of the Moton Museum, a project that held deep personal significance.

André was a humble, generous, and faithful supporter of many charities, organizations, and causes, including St. Jude, the Special Olympics, LOVE A Child, Doctors Without Borders, Meals on Wheels, FACES Food Pantry, Better Days, several ministries, and various others. His giving wasn't just about donations; it was a reflection of his deep compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

André believed in lending a helping hand wherever it was needed and inspired those around him to do the same.

To know André was to know his deep love for the game of golf. He mentored many young people and served as an instructor for the junior golf program, where he was passionate about teaching not only the sport itself but also the etiquette and respect it encourages. Through golf, André instilled valuable life lessons and built meaningful connections with people of all ages. He earned numerous awards and accolades through competitions, but most of all, he cherished the time spent playing alongside his brothers, children, nephews, and lifelong friends.

André's love for young people was especially evident in the way he cherished his grandchildren. He made deliberate road trips to visit them, spending quality time going swimming, bowling, and enjoying countless fun outings, especially to their favorite spot, Golden Corral. He made an intentional effort to show up for birthdays, sending cards and gifts, celebrating their milestones, and supporting them with the same warmth and consistency he offered to so many friends and family members throughout his life.

One of André's special gifts was his ability to bring people together. He was a firm believer in community and family fellowship. His loved ones will always remember him as a "bridge builder" across generations. He'll also be fondly remembered for his infamous fish fries and crab-leg fests. No matter the occasion, André was known for his staple contribution of fresh fruit, especially watermelon, and a nice, fresh batch of tea or lemonade.

Another of André's most memorable qualities was the music always in his heart. He loved to break into a quick "Temptations-style" performance, often singing his favorite R&B hits from the 1960s, 70s, and '80s. Whether entertaining family or simply enjoying the moment, André would slip into a silky falsetto, effortlessly filling the room with joy and soul.

At his core, André was a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering kindness. He believed in treating everyone with respect, showing up for others, and doing what was right, even when no one was watching. His sense of responsibility, quiet strength and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Whether offering a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a moment of laughter, André lived his values every day with grace and sincerity.

André will always be remembered for his ever-present smile, a gentle expression that rarely left his face, and the single dimple on his cheek that made it all the more unforgettable. He remained close friends with his former wife, Trenna, to whom he was married for nearly 30 years. Their friendship endured long after their marriage ended, marked by mutual support and respect, a testament to the deep connection they shared beyond their years as spouses.

André was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Fannie Ann (Gilliam) Morton, and his cherished sister, Karyn Gilliam-Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory his dedicated stepfather, Stacy Morton, Sr.; his children, Corey Daniels, Sr. and Melissa Gilliam; brothers, Gregory Gilliam, Sr., Travis Gilliam (Tamara), Stacy Morton, Jr. (Amiyah), and Marcus Morton (April); grandchildren, Lillian, Corey Jr., and Carey Daniels; goddaughter, Kiona Holland; and a host of nieces nephews cousins and friends.