David Lee Gilmore Sr., affectionally known, as “Cheri”, “Popa” “Pops’, “Dave”, “Uncle Dave” “Mr. Gilmore” passed away at the age of 92 in San Antonio, TX. He was born on April 12, 1928 in Augusta, GA to Birdie Mae Golphin and Johnny Cleveland Gilmore. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beautiful wife of 60+ years, Christiane Gilmore and grandson: Joshua David Edwards. He is survived by his sisters, Connie Torrence and Francis Tate and brother in law, Wilbur Torrence, His children: Jean “Johnny” Gilmore, Juanita Gilmore, Diane “Dede” Gilmore, Constance “Connie” Edwards, David Lee Gilmore Jr.; grandchildren: Allen Taylor, Kenneth Edwards Jr., Steve Gilmore, Macayla Acree, Erica Edwards, Karissa Nauert, Andrew Kelly, Michael Gamel Lindsey, Nicole Gilmore, Kierstyn Gilmore, Monica Gilmore, David Lee Gilmore III, Christopher Gilmore, Teira Collins, and the family cat. Great-grandchildren are: Cameron, Kenneth III, Noah, Kaydin, Jacen, Delilah, Miguel, Ocean, Owen, Kayden, Jazmine, and Elcion. Some of his wonderful friends: Nicole Beckman (who introduced him to Christiane Gilmore, our mom), Joe Cavanaugh, Marion Hicks, Luke Kimball, Robert “Peanut” and Laura Gray; Connie Brown, Jessie Floyd. Although having only 5 children of his own, many others called him Pops, many other family members and friends.
Although large in stature, Popa was humble and only spoke to impart knowledge or to tell a corny dad joke. He was Popa to so many. He loved to listen to people and adored his family, had a passion for good music, especially jazz and gospel. Popa was an amazing “handy man”. He could fix or build anything and what couldn’t be fixed, he was ready to buy it for anyone that was in need. Popa would walk for miles and along the way made friends with the homeless. He would go out of his way to walk back to feed anyone who was hungry. He was a proud US Army Master Sargent where he honorably served for over 25 years. He served his country in the Vietnam war and won a medal of honor for his service as a medic. He was proud of his service and of his family that also chose to serve in the military. After retiring from the military, Popa continued to serve his military community working at the gym on Ft. Sam Houston. He did so for another 10+ years and ultimately retired again. In addition to serving in the military and government service, he was also a referee for many years for the military, dependents of the military and civilian for all major sports. Throughout his life, Popa was an amazing singer. His family would often hear him singing or whistling.
Although born in Augusta, GA, at the age of 16 he moved to Brooklyn, NY where he considered home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.
A Visitation for the public will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:00 am at Sunset Funeral. Services will begin at 12:00 pm also at Sunset with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
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