Robert J. Gillum, age 84, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 13, 1941, in Sewell, Kentucky, the son of the late Chester and Evalee (Parks) Gillum.
Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, spending more than a year of his military service overseas in Germany. After completing his service, he married the love of his life, Anna Belle Gibbs, on May 20, 1967. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage filled with love, family, and many cherished memories.
Robert was a hardworking man who learned the value of hard work from a young age while helping on his family’s farms. He also worked for more than 25 years as a dock worker for Commercial Lovelace Motor Freight. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Trucking Union and the Masonic Lodge F&AM in Cincinnati.
Robert and Anna attended the Church of Christ in Morgue Fork, Kentucky, before moving to Ohio. His faith and family were important parts of his life.
An outdoorsman at heart, Robert enjoyed spending time outside and never minded getting his hands dirty. Later in life, he owned a 25-acre farm where he enjoyed raising horses, miniature goats, chickens, and cows. Caring for his animals and working around the farm brought him great enjoyment and gave him another way to spend time outdoors. He loved deer hunting, squirrel hunting, rabbit hunting, and fishing, and some of his most treasured memories were made teaching his children and grandchildren the skills he had learned throughout his life. He also enjoyed attending horse races and looked forward to visiting family throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio with his beloved wife, Anna.
Above all, Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family and took great pride in the time he spent with them. His kindness, hard work, wisdom, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Anna Belle Gillum; three children, Robert Michael (Cathy) Gillum of Milford, OH, Traci Ann (Gary) Sexton of Pleasant Plain, OH, and Michele Lynn (Brian) Wallace of Rostraver, PA; five grandchildren, Chad Gillum, Jeff Sexton, Valerie (Ronnie) Lemley, Joey Gillum, and Marcus Wallace; two great granddaughters, Everly and Ava; six siblings, Joe, Randall, Judy, Ollie, Carmie, and Barbara; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Bonnie, Johnnie, Claude, Herbert, Nancy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, Roger, Ruth, Ruby, Margie, Joyce, Wanda Lee, and Everett; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl, Perry, Susie, and Effie.
Celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date. The Turner & Son Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Turner & Son Funeral Homes.