Billy Joe Gilmore

He was born to James Emanuel Gilmore and Erma Mae Gilmore June 18th, 1932 at the family home in Iowa Park, Texas. The youngest of three siblings, he learned at an early age the importance of hard work. As his father worked in the oilfields, Billy Joe joined alongside his mother picking cotton for various farms in the area. He continued working throughout his youth. Often telling of washing dishes for Metz Café while standing on a wooden crate, because he was barely tall enough to reach the sink. He quickly developed what would become a life long work ethic, showing up before school started in the mornings and returning again after school was dismissed. He always said his pay was 15 cents a day and a slice of pie. In 1949 at the age of 16, he joined the Army National Guard, serving simultaneously while continuing his high school education. He received an honorable discharge in 1952.

It was during his senior year of high school that he met and fell in love with Maryanne Chambers. They were married February 19th, 1950, graduated high school together and continued to love each other until her passing over seventy years later in November of 2021.

Prior to graduating high school, Billy Joe began work for Western Pipe Coating on the completion of a pipe line from Lake Iowa Park to the city water treatment plant. That was the beginning of a career which spanned several years. Traveling across the US and Canada, he quickly earned a reputation for his hard work and ability to adapt to whatever situations might arise. It was during this time that many friendships were forged and fortunately endured throughout his entire life. He was called into service as a foreman for Ross and Richards and was active in the construction of a petroleum pipeline in Germany as well as an off shore line on Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela and finally two ventures into Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

In 1958 he settled back at home and in 1960 he began Bill Gilmore Welding. Over the next 60 years, he maintained an active role in the company, helping create what would eventually become one of the longest enduring businesses in the city of Iowa Park. He loved to work and he loved his hometown. He served as a City Alderman from 1968 until 1982. He was a member of the Iowa Park Rotary Club, the Iowa Park Muleskinners and served twenty five years on the volunteer fire department. Additionally he served as president of the Highland Cemetery association for many years.

Aside from work, he enjoyed traveling with friends while pulling a camper trailer, and in later years, Bill and Maryanne developed a passion for riding their Harley. They traveled thousands of miles, often carrying their beloved cat and dog on the motorcycle with them. When it came to animals, Bill had a lifelong love for dogs, cats or pretty much anything on four legs. If you ever saw him setting at home, it’s a sure thing that one of his pets were either at his side or on his lap. Bill was a man filled with love, and he had no hesitation in demonstrating that through unlimited hugs. A trait which would make some uncomfortable to start with, but in most cases, even the most reluctant recipient eventually learned to appreciate the heartfelt sentiment. He made no discriminations between young ladies, old men, farmers or roughnecks. When you walked in the door, you were greeted with a hug. It was the observation of one truck driver that Gilmore’s was the only place he could get his truck serviced and get a hug all at the same time. Aside from the hugs, Bill was never reluctant to share the words “I love you.” And for those close to him, hearing him say that will no doubt be missed. No greater legacy can a man wish for than to love and be loved by others. And in his life, Bill Gilmore reached that goal.

Billy Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his brother James H Gilmore, his wife Maryanne and sons Cecil Joe Gilmore and Kelly Len Gilmore, in addition to a grandson Christopher Clark Gilmore. He is survived by a sister, Veneta Glasgow, Sons Jimmy Gilmore and wife Vickie, Kenny Gilmore, Billy Gilmore and wife Denise, daughter-in-law, Debbie Gilmore, all of Iowa Park, along with grand children, Cecil Jr., Angela, Hope, Kenny Jr., Kelly, Jason, Heather, Karlee, Bobbie, and Lilah. Also included are great grand children and great great grand children, many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends who have also become family.

A visitation for Billy will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dutton Funeral Home, 300 East Cash Street, Iowa Park, TX 763672013. A celebration of life will occur Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Lakeview Church of God, 1408 N Victoria Ave, Iowa Park, TX 76367. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to a charity of your choice.