Charles Lanier Gilmer

Charles Lanier Gilmer, known as Buddy, was the son of the late Charles and Sadie Wallington Gilmer and the brother of the late Lewis Wallington. He was a beloved brother, stepfather, friend, and devoted man of faith. He passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 76. Charles is reunited in eternal rest with the love of his life, his late wife, Sherry Caillier Gilmer, who preceded him in death only nine months earlier.

Born on February 12, 1950, in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, Charles was a natural athlete from a young age, demonstrating outstanding skill as a star forward for the Ragsdale High School Wildcats basketball team. After high school, he attended North Carolina A&T State University before embarking on his professional career. As the third eldest of six children, he was the first to leave home in pursuit of new opportunities.

Charles began his career with Otis Elevator Company, working in Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee. There, he built a strong foundation in the industry before following his entrepreneurial ambitions into the printing business. In the 1980s, his career led him to Dallas, Texas—a move that would forever change the course of his life.

It was in Dallas at a local Toastmasters Club breakfast that Charles met Sherry. Their romance sparked over a simple invitation to play tennis, marking the beginning of a profound and enduring partnership. An avid and accomplished player, Charles became a prominent fixture at the Brookhaven Country Club, excelling across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles play. Beyond his own play, Charles was a passionate spectator of the sport, fiercely cheering on the Williams sisters and American athletes across every Grand Slam stage.

Together, Charles and Sherry shared a deep passion for the arts and community service, frequently attending and generously supporting local Dallas theaters. Their shared devotion to their faith was central to their lives. Charles was an active congregant at both The Branch Church in Farmers Branch and Beth Sar Shalom in Carrollton. Among his most cherished contributions was his time spent teaching Sunday School alongside Sherry at The Branch; together, they faithfully looped with their students each year, advancing grade by grade to mentor the same group of children throughout their elementary school years.

Charles will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of exceptional kindness, unwavering patience, and quiet generosity—as well as an exceptionally snappy dresser who always brought effortless style to every room he entered. He possessed a rare warmth that allowed him to make lifelong friends wherever he went.

Charles is survived by his stepson, Daniel Caillier, and his wife, Liz; his sister, Brenda (James); his brothers, Wayne, James, Horace along with their families; and a wide circle of cherished friends.