William Craig Gilmore

William “Bill” Gilmore, 69, of Johnstown Ohio also known as “Papa Bill” and “Gramps” passed away on Monday October 25th, 2021, at his residence, a home he built himself over 40 years ago. Bill was born on December 19, 1951, in Columbus Ohio, son to the late William Russell Gilmore and Isabella June Davis.

He is preceded in death by parents William Gilmore (Susan) and Isabella June Davis. His is survived by his adoring children Darcy Blessing (Chad Williams), and Jacob Gilmore (Lauren) and by his grandchildren Audrey and Alexander Blessing, Gloria Gilmore, Rilo Gilmore, Julian Gilmore, Oakley Gilmore all of whom he loved and adored tremendously, and boy did they love him.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Michelle (Fontaine) Gilmore, loving siblings Sheri Culler (John), Michele Gilmore Beach and Michael Gilmore along with nieces and nephews Karen (Pete) Holmes, Matt (Hope) Culler, Adam (Kathy) Culler, David Beach, Abbey Beach, Jesse Gilmore, Riayn Gilmore.

He graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 1969 and later served in the United States Air Force as a radio engineer.

He was an incredibly gifted craftsman and for more than 30 years was the owner and chief operator of Johnstown Mill & Showcase Company that he built from the ground up. In 1992 he was commissioned to build the Water Wheel exhibit for AmeriFlora ’92 in Franklin Park.

His dry sense of humor and quick wit was legendary. He had a masterful gift of improving any circumstance with a perfectly timed and expertly delivered one-liner.

He was known in many circles as a man who would give someone an opportunity when no one else would. He provided food and housing to many folks who had nowhere else to go. And he provided many of his children’s schoolmates their first real job opportunity working in his mill and teaching them his trade.

His first priority was his family whom he devoted his whole heart and life to. He cherished both of his children and took incredible pride in his grandchildren. He was the first one to arrive at every one of their birthday parties, theatre performances and sporting events, finding unique ways to make them all feel special.

He was also skilled musician as a guitar player, drummer and vocalist and spent many years playing music in his living room singing with his dearest friends.

His greatest love outside of his family was Ohio State Football. He was a living encyclopedia of OSU trivia and would quiz his children weekly on over 100 years of football facts. Some of his happiest moments were spent watching games surrounded by family and friends.

He loved his country and was well read on its history. He held firm beliefs in the highest ideals of the US Constitution, and took every opportunity share those beliefs with others.

In recent weeks, He enjoyed attending church, researching bible verses, and singing gospel hymns at Concord Liberty Church with his dear friend and neighbor Patty Holter.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and unwavering friend to all he met.

Friends and family are welcome to join in memorializing Bill on Wednesday November 3rd at the Johnstown American Legion Hall. Visitation is open from 4-5:30pm followed by a Veteran memorial service and celebration of life reception beginning at 6pm.