On Saturday, June 26, 2021, Michael Lynn Gillum, loving husband, brother, father of four children, and grandfather of eight grandchildren, went to his heavenly home to be with the Lord at the age of 69. Mr. Gillum resided in Randolph, Alabama. He was born on July 10, 1951, and spent the majority of his life in LaFollette, TN. He was a master electrician, working in the coal mines of Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama for around 40 years. His family, friends and co-workers attest that he was one of the hardest workers to emerge from the Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee.

Many in the LaFollette community, including his LaFollette High School classmates, remember his extraordinary athleticism, pure grit and intense determination that led to an All-Conference Award for the most defensive tackles, often bringing down opponents twice or three times his size. The youth in Campbell County remember his dedication and skill as a little league football coach and Golden Gloves boxing coach. His fondly remembered by many for his work as an inspirational youth minister. His friends remember him for his infectious smile, compassionate spirit, enthusiasm for life and Rose Kitts blue eyes.

Michael Gillum leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Frances Claiborne Gillum, daughter Mary Michelle Gillum Goins, son-in-law W. David Goins, son Michael Ray Gillum, daughter-in-law Jamie Rutherford Gillum, daughter Mikeeta Lynn Gillum Kizzire, son-in-law Michael Kizzire, son Reverend Marcus Howard Gillum, daughter-in-law Angela Rutherford Gillum, grandson Tristan Michael P. Gillum, granddaughter Madison B. Gillum, granddaughter Bailey R. Gillum, granddaughter McKenna B. Gillum, granddaughter Shakira M. Gillum Goins, grandson Kiley L. Kizzire, grandson Hunter Bo Gillum Goins and several sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Mr. Gillum was the fifth son of the late Howard T. and Naomi Kitts Gillum and grandson of the late Sheriff Rose Kitts and Gertrude Riggs Kitts and Tom and Mahala Gillum. He is preceded in death by his brother Stephen R. Gillum and sister Melissa L. “Missy” Gillum and granddaughter Alexis L. Gillum. He leaves behind five brothers, Reverend James R. “Kenny” Gillum, Reverend Howard “Tom” Gillum, Jr., Roger L. Gillum, David P. “Rusty” Gillum and Joel E. “Joey” Gillum.

A funeral service will be held on July 1, 2021, at the Cross-Smith Funeral home in LaFollette at 7 p.m. Receiving friends will take place on July 1 from 5 pm until 7 pm. A graveside service will commence on July 2 at 11:00 am at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Michael Gillum believed that all people were children of God and that they should be treated with kindness and respect, something he preached to his children. Flowers are welcome. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Cerebral Palsy of East Tennessee and the Cerebral Palsy Center in Knoxville, TN.

Condolences may be given online at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

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