Donny Joe ‘D.J.’ Gilliam

1966—2025

Donny Joe “D.J.” Gilliam, age 28, of Haldeman Road, Morehead, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at U.K. Medical Center in Lexington.

He was born July 3, 1996, in Ashland, the son of Melissa Gilliam “Mom” of Inez and Donna Gilliam “Momma” of Morehead.

In addition to his mothers, he is survived by his fiancée, Shana Michelle Lowe of Morehead; four brothers, Mitchell Blade Blackburn, Justin Lee Blackburn, and Shaden Cecil Dale Horn, all of Inez and Jason James Blackburn of Georgetown; two sisters, Katrena Renea Gilliam and Mistic Haven Eve Horn, both of Inez; and other extended family and friends.

D.J. served in the U.S. Army and was a private caregiver. He enjoyed playing video games, target shooting, and watching movies with his mom.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Timothy Michael Cornette.

Full military honors were presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126 on March 1, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.

A graveside service followed at Gilliam Cemetery on the Right Fork of Middle Fork in Elliott County. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.