Birth Date: 09/05/1944
Deceased Date: 06/12/2024
Jerry Dwain Gilmore, age 79, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Born in Smithfield on September 5, 1944 and raised on the Mill Hill, Jerry was the son of Headley Baker Gilmore and Kitty Ellen Moore Gilmore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lavon Gilmore, Terry Gilmore and Roy Gene Gilmore, and sister, Elvie Gilmore Jones.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Harris Gilmore of Clayton; daughter, Karen Gilmore Friend and husband Brian of Kenly; son, David Gilmore and wife Susie of Fuquay-Varina; granddaughter, Grace Reed and husband Isaiah of Goldsboro; grandson, Micah Gilmore of Fuquay-Varina; sister, Loretta Strickland of Willow Spring; his Yorkipoo, Sweetie; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his caregiver and family friend, Sandy Gordon of Clayton.
Jerry served his country as a sonar technician in the United States Navy for 3.5 years. Shortly after discharge he married his wonderful wife, Louise (his “WW”) and they later moved to Clayton. One of the charter Clayton Caterpillar employees, he retired in 2006 from his position as a torque tool technician.
He was a man of many talents and was well known for his ability to repair vehicles, for which his children gave him many to work on. He had a backyard shop where he spent a lot of his time “piddling” on multiple projects. In addition to being a jack of all trades, he enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with his family. After retiring from Caterpillar, Jerry went on to get his HVAC certifications in hopes of building a ministry to assist the elderly in his community in providing HVAC services. While attending Johnston Community College in 2005 he was nominated and became a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
Above all, Jerry was a faithful follower of his Lord Jesus. A member of Bethesda Baptist Church in Clayton, he served for a time as a deacon. He also provided grounds maintenance for the church and assisted with preparations for baptisms until his health faded. Prior to his membership at Bethesda, he was a deacon, Youth Sunday School Teacher and choir member at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church in Clayton.
A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at Bethesda Baptist Church in Clayton. The family will receive family and friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at 3:00 p.m., which will conclude at the gravesite located at Knollwood Cemetery in Clayton.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com
