Caleb Savon Gilliam

Caleb Savon Gilliam, 29 transitioned from his earthly home into heavenly peace on July 13, 2024.  Caleb was born on June 4,1995, to the late Robert “Rocky” Gilliam II and Savonya Smith Gilliam.

He was an Asheville native and attended Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools, graduating from Asheville High School in 2013.

Caleb was known for his handsome smile, compassionate heart, matter-of-fact demeanor, sense of humor, and infectious laugh.  As a child, he was musically gifted, playing piano and drums, singing in youth choirs, and was a soloist in oratorical competitions.  In the fifth grade, Caleb had the honor of introducing the first black female Mayor of Asheville, Terry Bellamy, to his Claxton Elementary school body.

Caleb had a host of talents, but found joy in athletics.  He was a multi-sport athlete; playing baseball, soccer, basketball, and football.  Although smaller than his peers and competitors, he was a talented and tenacious running back like his father, Rocky.  Outside of speed, vision, and balance, he was praised for being a coachable team player with a profound Football IQ.    

Caleb was a natural-born caregiver and had a unique connection with the youth; often working in the hospitality and healthcare industries.  He was most proud of his position as a dietary aide at the Laurel of Greentree Ridge where he laughed, encouraged,and engaged with their elderly residents.  

He was a brother to many and shared a special sibling-like bond with the twins, Danielle and Desiree Gamble, among a number of others.  

In celebrating Caleb’s life, friends and family will cherish the memory of his smile, laughter and the prayers of hope given to those facing desperate times.

Caleb was preceded in death by his son Cayden Rocky Lee; father, Robert “Rocky” Gilliam II; sister, Adara R. Gilliam; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Elder Theodore L. and Missionary Beverly E. Smith, paternal grandfather, Robert Gilliam, maternal great-grandmother, Josephine Conley, paternal great-grandmothers, Dorothea” Ms. Dot” Hermany and Lucille Scott, great-great-grandmother, Madie Abney; great-great-grandfather, John Gilliam and uncle, John W. Gilliam.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving mom, Savonya S. Gilliam; grandmothers, Karen E. Smith and Tanya Gilliam-Harrell; aunts, uncles; other relatives and friend

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Caleb will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church (100 Carroll Ave.), at 1pm. He will lie in state two hours prior to the funeral. Burial will be held at Sunset Cemetery immediately following the service. NO viewing will be held on Friday. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

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