Joseph Clarence, “J.C.”, Gilmore, 94, of Greenville, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Briarcliff Nursing Home.
J. C. was born in Campbell, Texas, on July 27, 1922. He was one of five sons born to C.B. and Della Foote Gilmore. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1940. World War II began, and J.C. joined the U.S. Air Force. He served at Hickam Field in Hawaii, Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, and at Majors Field in Greenville.
On November 11, 1943, while still in the Air Force, J. C. married Wanda Faye Jenkins in Caddo Mills. After the war, they settled in Dallas, where J.C. became an engraver of graduation invitations and cards. He retired from Balfour, and he and Wanda Faye moved east to be closer to family.
J.C. had many interests, but the most important were church, Masonry, and Eastern Star. He was a faithful, active member of church from the age of 22. He was a Mason and member of Eastern Star for more than fifty years. He received many honors and awards in both fraternal organizations, and he was known for his excellent memory and his beautiful prayers.
J.C. is survived by his son Joe Gilmore and wife Kay of Caddo Mills, his daughter Sandra Gilmore Upton and husband Johnny of Longview, and brother Elvis Gilmore and wife Sue of Cash. He treasured his 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
J. C. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 73 years, his granddaughter, Jennifer Rebecca Upton Green, his daughter-in-law, Wanda Jean Gilmore, and his brothers Kenneth, Olen, and Leroy.
A celebration of J.C.’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 10, 2017, at Coker Mathews Funeral Chapel, 5100 Interstate 30, Greenville, Texas. Reverend Debbie Lyons of Caddo Mills United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park, 808 W. Jack Finney Blvd. in Greenville. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 9, from 6 to 8 P.M., at Coker Mathews Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Caddo Mills United Methodist Church, Caddo Mills, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Shannon Upton, J.W. Upton, Jeff Wood, Brian Green, Paul Green, and John Herold.