Rear Admiral William Jewell Gilmore USN (RET)

Rear Admiral William J. Gilmore, USNR (Ret.) of Pensacola FL passed away on July 18, 2022. Bill was born in Pensacola on January 23, 1926. As a child, he began a lifelong fascination with both stamps and coins. He remained an avid collector into his 90s. He was an accomplished musician playing the cornet with various groups and dance bands while at Pensacola High School.

He enlisted in the Navy, serving three years in the enlisted ratings while attending Georgia Tech. He graduated from Georgia Tech, was commissioned as an officer and married all in the same day.

He served in Destroyer Escorts, Cruisers and moved into Submarine duty. He served in regional positions, the National War College and the Joint Services Command in Washington. He retired as Regional Area Commander, Region 7 in Charleston, SC. He was published in several naval trade publications.

While Bill was actively pursuing his Navy career, he was also using his engineering expertise to build innovative housing. Over 30 years, he was responsible for the construction of approximately 4,400 single and multi-family dwellings throughout the Southeast. He served on many national boards and committees and contributed to several national trade publications.

He is predeceased by his wife Betty Joyce Stearns, his second wife Mildred A. Pollock and two grandchildren, William Gilmore Rella and Jennifer Leigh Rella.

He is survived by his son William J (Rusty) Gilmore, Jr. and his daughter Deborah G Rella, sons John M Pollock and David A Pollock; seven grandchildren: Kerrie Sea Bizzell, Lisa M Gilmore, Michael E Rella, Teagan A Pollock, Connor S Pollock, Brayler Pollock, David D (Del)Pollock and nine great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit on Gulf Beach Hwy on August 4th, 2022 at 11am with burial at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following. Reception to follow at Holy Spirit.

The family requests donations be made to Covenant Care Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Gilmore family.