Gary Taylor Gilmore

Early Tuesday Morning, February 11, 2025, Gary Taylor Gilmore, age 93, quietly went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ from his home in Diamondhead, Mississippi. Gary was born on June 12, 1931, in Meridian, Mississippi to Moss Anson (Slim) Gilmore and Rella Mae Taylor Gilmore. Later the family moved to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi where his father owned the Standard Oil Distribution Station and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealership.

Gary and his younger brother, Jimmy grew up on South Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis and later graduated from St. Stanislaus College where he was a three-year letterman in both basketball and football. He subsequently graduated from Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama with an associate degree. Gary then joined the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service he completed his education with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

While at the university he met the love of his life Lynda Jane Caldwell of Gulfport, Mississippi. The two were married November 27, 1959, at First Baptist Church in Gulfport. At this time he started his career in insurance, followed by the mortgage business which took the couple to Jackson, Mississippi. Later his career progressed to commercial real estate and development. Gary developed one of the first ski lodge developments in Breckenridge, Colorado, and started the first Ski Club in the state of Mississippi. He put together the original land development for Diamondhead, and continued to develop shopping centers throughout the state. In 1976, the couple decided to move their family back to the coast of Mississippi where he continued to work on various developments. Gary possessed tremendous vision for trends and opportunities. He maintained an optimistic attitude despite the highs and lows of business.

For 20 years, Gary served as Election Commissioner for Hancock County. He served on the board for The Salvation Army and served as Junior Warden and Senior Warden at Christ Episcopal Church in Bay St. Louis and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Diamondhead. He first became involved with the Republican party in the 1950s which he continued to be active with throughout his life... Gary was an active life member of the U.S. Marine Corps League DET

of Diamondhead. The League proved to be faithful as a means of great support to him as his health declined.

Gary loved bird hunting, riding dirt bikes and snow skiing. He and his brother enjoyed studying their family's history in New Mexico where his father and uncle worked as true cowboys managing cattle ranches. He was a huge fan of the movies, especially war movies and westerns. Gary had a passion for reading and studying his Bible. He served as a Bible Study leader in the Harrison County Prison System, where he was respectfully referred to as "Mr. Wisdom" by the inmates and was honored with a service award. He considered this ministry to be one of the most significant experiences in his life.

Of all his accomplishments, Gary considered his children and grandchildren to be his biggest accomplishment in life. He was most proud of the resilience and success of all four of his children. He spoke of them every moment and enjoyed the company of his grandchildren. His greatest relationship was with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ whom he looked to in times of plenty and in times of want. Gary had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories to bring laughter to all.

Gary is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lynda Gilmore of Diamondhead; son, Taylor (Gloria) Gilmore of Seminary, Mississippi; son, Tim (Joellyn) Gilmore of Tallassee, Alabama; son, Sean (Jennifer) Gilmore of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter, Ginger Gilmore of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and eleven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother. The family is thankful for the love and support of his caretaker and friend, Theresa Gibson, who has lovingly cared for Gary, Lynda and the family the last three years.

A memorial service will take place on February 23, 2025, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Diamondhead with visitation at 2pm and the service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to the Marine Corps League DET 1454, P.O. Box 6576, Diamondhead, MS 39525.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Gilmore family.