Harry L. Gilham, Jr.
Harry Leonidas Gilham, Jr., age 84, died Sunday, February 2, 2014. A native Atlantan, Harry had recently authored the book, Lighting the Way, about the history of Georgia Lighting, the company he founded in 1960. Indeed, Harry's entire life was one of "lighting the way" in business, in the community, in his church, and for his dear family.
Born January 25, 1930, the son of Harry Leonidas Gilham, Sr and Anna Benton Gilham, Harry attended E. Rivers Elementary and North Fulton High. He graduated from Emory University, BBA, with highest honors, before serving his country as a Naval Officer on the USS Balduck in the Pacific Fleet (1953-1955). After spending four years in Dalton, GA, learning about the lighting business, Harry returned to Atlanta and founded Georgia Lighting (1960) and World Imports Company (1968). He served as President of both companies until his retirement in 2001. A true entrepreneur, in the 1960s he pioneered the now-common use of showroom vignettes to demonstrate how lighting fixtures would look mixed with furniture and antiques in a home setting. He frequently traveled to Italy, Spain, and other European countries establishing relationships with artisan craftsmen to create high quality and beautiful lighting fixtures. Recognized nationally for his excellence in business, he received the Lighting Person of the Year Award in 1979 from the American Lighting Association and the Emory University Goizueta Business School's Entrepreneur Award in 2002. He was also deeply loved by the employees of Georgia Lighting, whom for 41 years he treated as family.
Harry also 'lit the way' in Atlanta's arts and preservation community. He enjoyed his role as a member of the Board of Advisors for the Georgia Museum of Arts in Athens, GA, and was recently honored by the Atlanta Preservation Center for his leadership. A long-time member of the Cathedral of St. Philip, he served on multiple stewardship and mission outreach committees, and he faithfully served on the Usher and Finance Teams.
A member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, Harry worked to raise funds for the club's Kenya Safe Water Project. He served on the board of the Brookwood Hills Civic Association and was active in the City of Atlanta's Neighborhood Planning Unit C. An avid golfer, Harry was a member of Atlanta's Piedmont Driving Club as well as the High Hampton Golf Club and the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, both in Cashiers, NC. Harry and his wife enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in Cashiers where he was a member of the Foundation Board of the Summit Charter School and the Church of the Good Shepherd. A voracious reader, Harry particularly enjoyed studying American and European history, as well as the history of wine.
Harry was a wonderful and generous man who nurtured a sense of intellectual curiosity and optimism throughout his life. He always cherished his many friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Caroline Mason Gilham, and by his children: Anna Gilham McGarrity and her husband Todd, and Jean Gilham Kirby and her husband Matthew. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Megan and Mason McGarrity and Lucy, Gibson & Anna Kate Kirby.
A memorial service will be held at 11 o'clock on Thursday, February 6th at The Cathedral of St. Philip, with Dean Sam Candler officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Harry to the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, 30305; the Atlanta Preservation Center, 327 St. Paul Avenue SE, Atlanta, 30312; or the Georgia Museum of Art, 90 Carlton Street, Athens, 30602. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 28, 2019
Friend
paul hill
While we still miss Harry's warm presence, it is lovely and heartwarming to remember him on this anniversary of his passing. He was a great friend and inspiration in many ways and one who loved his family, friends, community and the natural world.
February 18, 2014
Dear Caroline, We are very saddened to learn of Harry"s passage. Please know that I am and remain your friend in your darkest hours. Please let me know anytime if I can assist you in any way. Warmest regards to you and all the family, Sherman Runions
February 10, 2014
CAROLINE, WE JUST LEARNED ABOUT HARRYS DEATH AND WANTED TO EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO UOU AND THE FAMILY. SINCERELY ,E LIZABETH AND BILL NIPPER
February 6, 2014
We are deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Gilham's passing. We only met him a few times, but enjoy spending time with his daughter, Jean and her family. We know he was a great man because of how wonderful his children are today. Not to mention, we love living in Brookwood HIlls today because of the efforts of Mr. Gilham. We pray for peace for the entire family. WIth Love, The Davies Family
February 6, 2014
Ronald Schwarz
JoAnn and I are saddened by Harrys passing . Harry was a friend of mine in Dalton Ga. Deepest sympathies to you and family.
February 6, 2014
Dear Caroline & Family, Mr. Gilham, will always be my life line in Lighting. Georiga Lighting was and always will be the leader in the industry as he set the bar so high for others to follow. I spent many years working with the "Georiga Lighting Team"(and my forever friends) watching this company grow.Mr. Gilham, you will be dearly missed.
Retta M. Acker-Giacopelli
February 6, 2014
Eg
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 5, 2014
Blanchette and Frank Maier
Dearest Caroline, Frank and I don't have adequate words to express our deepest sorrow to you and your family. Please know that you are in our prayers while Harry is in such a good place. Much love from both of us, Blanchette and Frank
February 5, 2014
Thank you for all the years at Georgia Lighting. I loved being part of the GL family. Love and Prayers to the Gilham Family.
Sherry Moore
February 5, 2014
Josh Borden
Dear Caroline and family,
Harry was such a joy to speak with... the twinkle in his eye, smile, and good natured Southern hospitality left you feeling immediately comfortable and welcome in his presence. I will remember his impact on Atlanta and the Cathedral of St. Philip with many thanks.
February 5, 2014
Marj & Sam Dunn
To Caroline and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Harry's passing. Harry was a quiet man, but when he spoke it was always worth listening. We felt privileged to have been the first to review his book on Amazon.com. Reading it was a delight and offered insight into a very wise, honest, innovative, marketing expert. He will be sorely missed by a very many people. Marj and Sam Dunn
February 5, 2014
Dear Caroline, Anna and Jean,
Larry and I were so sorry to hear that Harry had passed away. We have enjoyed his friendship while we have been his neighbor in the mountains. He was such a friendly man and always had time to stop and say hello. We know how much he loved his family and enjoyed his grandchildren. We enjoyed having a copy of his book and reading of his many accomplishments. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Patty & Larry Faulkner
February 5, 2014
ANDRES & ASUN
" Harry L. Gilham Jr. was a wonderful person who was like a father to us when we were for our first time in Atlanta, in 1985.
Our sincere condolences for Caroline and all the family.
Andres & Asun fron Spain.
February 4, 2014
Harry and Caroline have been two of our most valued friends for over 20 years.Harry was always willing to listen, offer advice and help if needed, and share his thoughts, ideas and experience with you. At the same time, he loved the outdoors and we spent many hours hiking, drinking good wine, and laughing together in Atlanta, Cashiers and environs and Italy. While we saw much less of Harry and Caroline after we moved from Atlanta to Oregon 10 years ago, we still maintained contact and shared info about our respective families and our lives. We will greatly miss him.
Our hearts and warm wishes go out to Caroline, Anna, Jean and their families. Harry's passing is a great loss; but his memories will be treasured forever.
Ann & Paul Hill (Ashland, Or.)
February 4, 2014
Andrew and Lisa Hill
In the short time I was able to spend with Harry, I found him to be a kind, funny, and generous man. To see him together with Caroline was always a delight. Our hearts are heavy with his passing, and we send our love to Caroline, Jean, Anna, and the rest of his family.
February 4, 2014
Richmond
My heartfelt sympathy to the family in this time of sorrow. May God's word give you the strength and comfort to cope during this difficult time.
February 4, 2014
Greg Taylor
I realized immediately, after meeting Harry for the first time at St. Philips in 1996, that any time spent in his company was time well spent. It was a pleasure to have known him.
My heartfelt condolences to the Gilham family.
February 4, 2014
David Newman
I am truly saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. Harry Gilham. He is admired and the world is a better place because of his legacy. Atlanta has lost a great man and he will be missed. My deepest sympathies I send to his family and to all those who's lives he touched. David Newman
February 4, 2014
Nancy Wilkinson
Our hearts are heavy to,have lost such a warm,and generous friend. How we will miss his quiet intellect and his challenging interest in the arts, preservation, architecture and history. We will so miss our exchange of books and will be ever grateful of his caring concern and chauffeur service when Jim was in Emory Hospital.
February 4, 2014
Jolane and Jack Edwards
We are distressed. We have known and loved Harry and Caroline up in Cashiers for a number of years. Our deepest sympathy to Caroline and the family. May the Lord be with you and hold in His arms.
February 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family, We have many memories of good times together in San Francisco, Atlanta and Cashiers. Harry was a wonderful man whom I cared for greatly.
Tom Mericle
February 4, 2014
Jerry and Barbara May
Dear Caroline, we'll all miss Harry so much.
February 4, 2014
William Shippen
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family - we are so grateful to have known this intelligent, kind & lovely man.
Bill and Anna Shippen
February 4, 2014
Caroline & family,
Our heart reaches out to each of you at this time when words are empty. Thinking of you.
Marge & Jack Henson
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