AUBURN – Roger Irving Gilliam, 70, of Bath, passed away quietly on Thursday, May 1, while being cared for at the Clover House in Auburn after a long illness.

He was born May 2, 1937.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Clarina Gilliam of Bath; daughter, Eleanor Healey of Bath; three sons, Eric and wife, Michele Gilliam, of Freeport, Richard Gilliam of Bath, and Jeffrey and wife, Colleen Gilliam, of Wiscasset; seven grandchildren, Amy Gilliam of Freeport, Matthew Gilliam of Freeport, Ann Gilliam of Cherry Hills, N.J., Ashley Briggs of Freeport, Robert “Bobby” Healey of Bath, Nathan Gilliam of Wiscasset, and Emily Gilliam of Wiscasset.

He was predeceased by two daughters, Rhonda and Catherine Gilliam; two brothers, Frank and Joseph Gilliam; and his parents, Jane Edgecomb and Elliot Gilliam.

Roger celebrated many accomplishments in his life, including being appointed to the Consumer Advisory Board in 1980 by the then commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. The function of the board was to oversee the Pineland Consent Decree. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people with mental retardation in the State of Maine. He volunteered for many years as a coach with the Special Olympics.

Roger was a savvy business- man, beginning his career at Hyde Windless and BIW as a crane operator. He then became a butcher by trade, working at local markets including Sagadahoc Market and Burgess Market. He began his career in management at Shaw’s in Bath as manager of the meat department. He then became the owner and proprietor of his own business, Gilliam’s Market, in Topsham, which he operated for several years. He retired from Hannaford’s as manager of the seafood department, where he was formally recognized for being an excellent merchandiser.

In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting and ATV riding. Travels took him to Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, Montana and Hawaii, as well as to Canada and Norway. He was instrumental in organizing the Bodfish ATV Rider’s Club in Elliotsville, near his camp. He was an active member of the Wiscasset Community Center. He also worked briefly for Coastal Trans as a driver. Roger was an excellent cook. He enjoyed time spent driving and visiting friends at the Sea Shore Lobster House in Phippsburg. He was a very accomplished craftsman, and particularly enjoyed building model boats.

The Gilliam family would like to thank all those who provided care to Roger at Parkview Adventist Medical Center, Bodwell House, Central Maine Medical Center and Clover House.