Shelby M. Gillam

Shelby McKinley Gillam, age 88, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at his home.

He was born August 28, 1936, in Ironton, Ohio, to James Enoch Gillam and Mindie Alice Gillam, and was raised in West Virginia and Ohio. He was married to the love of his life, Margie (Patton) Gillam, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage.

Early in his married life, Shelby experienced the transforming grace of God. While watching a pastor on television, he surrendered his life to Christ.

After working at General Motors and Ford Motor Company, the Lord called him into full-time ministry. In 1969, He founded Wayside Temple, serving as Senior Pastor for more than 50 years. With a desire to reach people, God led Shelby and a small team to establish Christian Broadcasting Ministries, Proclaiming the Word on WGGN FM 97.7 in Northern Ohio. Over time, the outreach expanded to include WGGN TV52 Sandusky/Cleveland, WLLA TV64 Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, WLRD FM96.9 Willard, and WJKW FM95.9 Athens. Countless individuals have come to know Christ as their personal Savior because of his faith and unwavering desire to spread the Gospel.

He believed the promise of Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” His greatest joy was knowing Jesus and proclaiming His Word.

Shelby is survived by his wife, Margie Gillam; two daughters Barb (Rich) Hawkins of Castalia, Deb (Rusty) Yost of Castalia; brother, Carlos Gillam of Mansfield; five grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James Frank Gillam, Claude Gillam; sister Beulah Strong; brother in law Floyd Strong; sisters in law Sandra (Bratchie) Gillam, and Aretta (Lambert) Gillam Smith.

Friends may call Monday, August 25, 2025, from 4-7 PM at Wayside Temple, 3809 Maple Ave, Castalia, and from 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in the church.   Pastors Rusty Yost and Neil Hawkins will officiate.  Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.  Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Christian Broadcast Ministries PO Box 247 Castalia, OH 44824.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

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