“Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to they rest.” – William Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Kenneth Micheal Gilliam, age 90, formerly of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away on July 31, 2026. He was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on April 20, 1936 to Jess Williard Gilliam and Frances Evelyn Gilliam (nee Adams).

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Anita Sue Gilliam (nee Moore).

He is survived by his brother Phillip Arthur Gilliam; son Micheal Daniel “Dan” Gilliam and his wife LeAnne; daughter Sarah Gordon Gilliam; grandson Jared M. Gilliam and his wife Gabby Rushing; grandson Jordan P. Gilliam; along with a host of extended family and the thousands of students who were family over the course of his career.

Kenneth graduated from Hope High School in Hope, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Arkansas and Ohio State University. He taught in the Stuttgart School District and was a professor at the Hendrix College Theater Department and Henderson State University Theater Department.

One of Kenneth’s greatest highlights in his life was Gilliam’s Geeks – a student led social group at HSU. It was named in tribute to him as its leader for the theater department kids he taught over the years.

Another one of Kenneth’s proudest accomplishments was to have encouraged Hollywood actress, Mary Steenburgen, to pursue an acting career. Mary thanked him by name in her acceptance speech when she won her Oscar in 1980.

Kenneth had a wicked sense of humor and the ability to carry on a joke with a straight face. He had a profound disdain for fools and an enjoyment of salacious gossip, especially about “morons”.

Additionally, Kenneth was fond of his childhood memories of growing up in Hot Springs. He absolutely loved spending time there for many years after retirement. He was extremely proud of his children, Dan and Sarah. Their accomplishments and successes were a favorite topic of conversation. When his grandsons, Jared and Jordan, came along, he was overjoyed with every visit, making sure to have their favorite sweet treats. He was fantastic at telling stories for nap time and asking questions that held valuable lessons. His teasing taught them the skill of reading sarcasm and how to tell someone is pulling their legs!

Kenneth will be remembered for his accomplishments during his teaching career and for his dedication to mentoring the next generation in the theater arts. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Crestview Senior Living in Cabot, as well as the caregivers of Lifetouch Hospice. Knowing your loved one is comfortable and cared for is such a blessing!

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com