George M. Gilmore
Died – Dec. 31, 2020
COLUMBIA S.C. — George M. Gilmore died Friday, Dec. 31, 2020, at his home in Columbia, S.C. He was 104.
George was born Feb. 13, 1916, the sixth of seven sons of Thomas and Ardelle Gilmore, in the Valley Brook community south of Overbrook where he shared in all the farming chores. He attended Valley Brook Grade School and graduated in 1934 from Overbrook Rural High School where he was senior class president.
George attended Kansas University for five years and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, with additional education at University of Colorado, Denver University and study of French in France.
During World War II he worked 11 years for Gates Rubber Company in research and design. When he joined Lake Cherokee Tennessee project in research, design, and development, he led the design and development of roads, land plots, lakes, etc. In 1958, he joined the Department of Defense where he served as chief of requirements and maintenance, and as chief of distribution resource branch in distribution division, HQ AAFES. His managerial abilities, his initiative and expertise resulted in major operational and organizational improvements that provided substantial savings and improved service. In this capacity he traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. For his service his name is inscribed on the National World War II monument in Washington, D.C.
While living in Colorado and Europe, he was an accomplished skier serving on ski patrol both in Colorado and Switzerland.
In 1969 he transferred to Dallas, Texas where he worked with the logistics of a supply system with a focus on Vietnam and transportation of goods to all bases, warehouses, truck lines, etc. All his life he was a firm supporter of our troops.
George was a proud 32nd degree Mason for 76 years, joining in 1944 and serving as lodge master while living in Germany.
He was grateful for his life of 104 years, and most recent residence in Wildewood Downs Retirement Community. He was an excellent golfer, a super bridge player, a patriot, and a solid friend.
His loving wife, Jerry Bowrosen Gilmore, whom he married Oct. 12, 1984, preceded him in death Nov. 16, 2006. He was also preceded in death by six brothers, Forest, Willis, Montague, Britte, Harold, and Solon, his parents and some nieces and nephews.
He is survived by a step-daughter, Michaele G. Lemrow; two step-grandchildren, Shannon L. Silkensen and Justin C. Lemrow; three nephews, Philip, Bill Gilmore and Jack Gilmore; two nieces, Betty Lou Davis and Pam Gibson; great nephews, great nieces, and many other loved ones. He was blessed with family, friends and the joy of living.
George will be buried in the future in Valley Brook Cemetery, south of Overbrook, with his wife, several of his brothers, his parents, his grandparents and other relatives.
One of his favorite poems was “The Children’s Hour” by Longfellow.
“…I will put you down
Into the round tower of my heart
And there I will keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day…”
