Carl Edward Gilliam

Carl (Ed) Gilliam, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old. Ed was born on June 22, 1944, in San Diego, California. He made his way to Fresno, where he met the love of his life, Karen. The two were married in 1966 and shared 60 years of marriage.

Ed was a proud veteran, having served in the Army Reserves. He worked alongside his father in the family aluminum business, and after his father’s passing, he continued running the business, Ace Aluminum Co., while also farming the family vineyards. His favorite pastime was horse racing, and for many years he owned racehorses, a hobby he loved dearly.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Carl Gilliam, and his son, Michael Edward Gilliam. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sisters, Laraine and Della; his brother, Clyde; his three daughters, Cari, Candi, and Marci; his sons-in-law, David, Mike, and Fernando; and his five grandchildren, Kailee, Addyson, Mikey, Fernando, and Adrian.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Ed’s memory.