Donnell Gilliam

Donnell Gilliam (March 12, 1889 – March 6, 1960) was a United States federal judge.

Born in Tarboro, North Carolina, Gilliam received a B.A. from the University of North Carolina in 1909 and an LL.B. from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1910. He was in private practice in Tarboro, North Carolina from 1923 to 1945, also serving as a state district solicitor from 1923 to 1945.

On May 3, 1945, Gilliam was nominated by President Harry S. Truman to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina vacated by Isaac M. Meekins. Gilliam was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 15, 1945, and received his commission on May 18, 1945. He assumed senior status on March 16, 1959, serving in that capacity until his death, in Tarboro.