J.D. Gillmore

J.D. Gillmore left this life May 6, 2014 at the age of 75 years, 9 months, and 1 day at his home in Charlotte, AR, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 5, 1938 in Charlotte, AR, to John Harvey and Zena Dee Fallis Gillmore. He was married to Barbara Marney Gillmore on February 11, 1961 for 53 years. Together, they had five children. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Zena Gillmore and one brother Charles Evans Gillmore. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son John D. Gillmore Jr. and wife Tammy, son Christopher Charles Gillmore and wife Becky, son Marney Gillmore and wife Brenda, daughter Kimberly Ann Cole and husband Danny, daughter Kelly Wray Jackson and husband John. J.D. was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Julie Butcher, Nathan Gillmore, Holly Gillmore, Heather MacKenzie, Stephanie Walker, Ryan Gillmore, Lexie Gillmore, Turner Gillmore, Katie Mitchell, Matt Mitchell, Haley Cole, Torrie Taylor, Tonyia Platt, Natalie Jackson, and Brody Jackson. He is survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Brennan Butcher, Bailey Butcher, Kaleb MacKenzie, Amelia MacKenzie, Madeline MacKenzie, Samuel MacKenzie, Addie Walker, Grady Walker, Claire Walker, Cooper Gillmore, Grayer Taylor, and Maggie Taylor. He is survived by three sisters: Shirley Reinhardt, Betty Pilot, and Lucy Harris and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and a multitude of friends. J.D. loved to work, proven by his three careers. Master Chief Petty Officer J.D. Gillmore served his country for 20 years in uniform for the US Navy from 1957-1977, earning the rank of E9, spending time as a boiler tech on the USS Locator, USS Intrepid, USS America, USS Chipola, USS Milwaukee, and USS Valdez. Almost half of his service was spent off of the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War on some of these ships. J.D. also worked for Eastman Chemical Company for 22 years in Power and Services and for the Batesville School District for 13 years. Active in this community, J.D. served on the Sulphur Rock School Board, was a deacon and treasurer for Sulphur Rock Baptist Church, and pastored the Marcella Baptist Church. An avid gardener, J.D. was known for his servant’s heart, always giving and doing for others. He especially loved children and enjoyed spoiling the teachers at Sulphur Rock Elementary. He also loved taking his grandchildren to church and spending time with them. A White Sox fan, J.D. enjoyed many hours cheering on his favorite teams, whether watching his children play basketball at Sulphur Rock High(all of his children, as well as himself, graduated from Sulphur Rock High School) , cheering on professional teams with his children, or encouraging the young athletes at Sulphur Rock Math and Science Magnet. Pallbearers are Nathan Gillmore, Ryan Gillmore, Turner Gillmore, Brody Jackson, Matt Mitchell, Robbie MacKenzie, Andy Walker, and Daniel Butcher. Funeral services will be Thursday May 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Compass Church in Batesville. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery located at Sulphur Rock with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.