William L. "Bill" Gilmore's Obituary
William “Bill” Leonard Gilmore, born April 16, 1941, age 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, at home surrounded by love and his family. He was a 1959 graduate from Pine Tree High School then attended Kilgore College and The University of North Texas. He met the love of his life and married Sandra Kay Courtney. They were married for a beautiful 54 years in Longview Tx. He was a talented draftsman and also left a legacy with his company Precious Memories and Legal Video Specialists that he passed on to his daughter, Melanie and Son-In-Law, Doug. First and foremost Bill was a man of God and a light in this world. To know him was to love him. He made sure to instill the teachings and his love of God in his family and friends, and even a stranger. Bill lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends, praying over friends and loved ones and anyone in need from home and his church. He along side his wife loved supporting their grandchildren and great grandchildren at multiple sports events, cheer and dance & twirling competitions and recitals.
He enjoyed ice cream, old timey candy, and keeping his yard and pool pristine. Bill loved to be outside, he enjoyed a good round of golf with his grandchildren. Bill loved to study scripture with his wife and pray over their friends and family. As an ordained minister, Bill has performed multiple weddings over the years, but he was extremely proud to perform both of his daughter’s weddings, and two of his grandsons; Nathan & Linda's and Luke & Lexy’s wedding and baptize his granddaughter Lauren. He loved to be surrounded by his family. Bill had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and profound way; he touched every life he came into contact with by providing the perfect example of unwavering faith, how to be a devout Christian and loving husband, son and father. The world has been left a brighter place with the impact he has made with his life. We know our Lord is pleased and has said to him, “Well Done, my good and faithful servant.”
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Sandra, his daughter Pam Hinch, with her husband Todd, Daughter Melanie Rankin, with her husband Doug, Grandchildren Nathan, Josh, Luke, Lauren & Katie and 5 Great-Grandchildren Walker, Macee, Amaylee, Brooklyn and Avery, Sister, Linda Peterson, Sister in Law Judy Johns and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Bill touched are invited on Friday, September 6, 2024, to attend the visitation at 2:00 pm and Service at 3 pm at Pathway Church located at 1600 Blueridge Parkway, Longview, TX 75605. Immediately following will be a committal service at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview, TX.
In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Mercy Manor in honor of Bill Gilmore. Your generosity will continue his legacy of compassion and care. Checks can be mailed to Mercy Manor PO Box 1019 White Oak, TX 75693 or donations can be made online at MercyManor.com
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
