Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2020 in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with Reverend Dr. George Haugen officiating. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. CST Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the Tallapoosa County Memorial Gardens in Dadeville, AL.
Gil was born on June 12, 1939 to the late Elwood Gilmore and Alice Saunders Keith. At a later age he moved to Monahans, TX and began working as a cook at the Locbebee’s Café before joining the U.S. Army in August 1958. After his basic training at Ft. Carson, CO he received his orders to Berlin, Germany. He served 3 ½ years in Germany and then was reassigned to Ft. Ord, CA. While stationed at Ft. Ord, he left the Army. In 1965 Gil rejoined the Army and was stationed with the 11th Air Assault at Ft. Benning, GA. While stationed at Ft. Benning, he received his orders to Munich, Germany. During his time in Germany he applied and was chosen to attend OSC school in Ft. Benning, GA. He graduated in 1966 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Later Gil was assigned to the Map Reading Committee where he taught for a year and during that time he received orders to report to the 9th Division in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was wounded and he received a Purple Heart Medal.
During Gil’s time at Ft. Benning he met Virginia L. Davis who became his bride on November 29, 1968 in Dadeville, AL. After his first tour in Vietnam he was stationed at Ft. Jackson on South Carolina where his daughter, Maria Lynn Gilmore, was born on July 6, 1970.
During a second tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Phu Bai, Vietnam, he served as the Commander of the 2nd Brigade Forward Service and Support Element (FSSE). Gil was promoted to Major on May 6, 1978. His retirement came in September 2001 after 22 years in the Army and 19 years of Civil Service.
Gils awards include 3 Good Conduct Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Unit Citation Badge with Palm, the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Service Star and 4 overseas Service Bars.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Virginia D. Gilmore of Columbus, GA; daughter, Lynn Summers (Ron) of Midland, GA; grandchildren, Jackson Davis Summers, Molly Blair Summers and Ashley Lynn Summers; sister-in-law, Nina Johnson (Tony) of Jacksons Gap, AL; niece, Lynsey Johnson Neighbors (Phillip) of Wetumpka, AL. nephew, Shawn Johnson of Jacksons Gap, AL. great niece, Langley Neighbors; and great nephews, Dylan Johnson, Alex Johnson and John Neighbors.
Gil’s life journey ended Friday, August 7, 2020, he is now resting in the love of Jesus.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Edgewood Presbyterian Church.
Condolences and fond memories for the Gilmore family may be left at www.shcolumbus.com
