Gerald Pat Gillum

Gerald Pat Gillum, age 79, departed this life November 4th, 2023, at Parkway Village, Little Rock. Pat was born May 31, 1944, in Wing, AR, to the late John and Irene (Lazenby) Gillum. He grew up exploring the mountains and rivers of Yell County. Pat graduated from Fourche Valley High School in 1962, where he was a star athlete in basketball and track. He graduated from Arkansas A&M College (now UAM) in Monticello, 1966. While student teaching in Dumas, he met the love of his life, Barbara Sue (Dunnahoe). They are the parents of Corey (Christi) Gillum of Little Rock and Kinley (Mickey) Barksdale of Alpine. Pat and Barbara have six grandchildren: Caylie (Tim) Barnett, Christian (Christie) Gillum, Carson and Cati Beth Gillum, Jordan and Jackson Barksdale, and one great-grandchild, Eva Barnett. In addition to his wife, Pat is survived by two sisters, Jan Workman of Denton, Texas, and Barbara (Bill) Arrington of Batesville, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was loved by a host of friends and his beloved dog Bear. 

He was preceded in death by Harry (Ruth)Gillum, Harold Gillum, a sister Johnnie Sue Willis (Twain), and a brother-in-law, Bill Workman. 

Pat taught science, biology, and coached at St. Paul, Fayetteville, Hannibal (MO), McCrory, and Arkadelphia. He retired after twenty-five years of teaching to help Barbara in their studio, Barbara’s Photography. Pat built three houses for his family, practically by himself. He wrote five books, and was also an avid outdoorsman. Pat and Barbara traveled the world together, visiting 43 countries. He came to Christ later in life, and shared his faith with others through volunteer work with Kairos Prison Ministry. Pat was a devoted member of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. 

Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM followed by the funeral at 2 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.  www.ruggleswilcox.com