Cards requested for historian’s 86th birthday

January 20, 2021

THE POST

BY TERRAN S. YOUNG

STAFF WRITER

Garnett Gilliam will celebrate his 86th birthday on Jan. 28.

Garnett is the founder of the Lonesome Pine School and Heritage Center in Big Stone Gap. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Garnett, a resident at The Laurels Retirement & Assisted Living, hasn’t been able to get out or receive visitors.

In honor of his upcoming birthday, his daughter Leslie and the volunteers at the school and heritage center ask that the community send him cards.

Charlotte Gatley, the secretary at the center, had nothing but kind words to say about Garrett and his work.

“He never gave up, he was so determined,” said Gatley. “It was his dream to have a place to maintain the legacy and heritage of our area.”

Gatley stated that although she and the rest of the volunteers are unable to celebrate with Garnett in person, she hopes that the community will send him cards. “I’m hoping to honor him on his 86th birthday and show how tremendous he has been in preserving the history of this area.”

Birthday cards can be sent to Garnett Gilliam, The Laurels #204, 5635 BSG Dr., Norton, Va. 24273.