On Monday, August 6, 2018, Mr. Willie McKinley Gilmore, aka "Gill" as he was called by many who knew him, transitioned to his Heavenly home, quietly and peacefully at home with his family.

Willie was born and raised in Person County on May 15, 1927 to the late William McKinley and Hassie DeShazo Gilmore.  He was one of eleven children.  He was educated in the Person County School System.  During that time, he was affectionately called "Red".

Willie entered into the US Army in the early 1950's.  He served three years in active military in Stuttgart, Germany.  Later, he moved to Chester, PA where he met his wife, Versia Smith Gilmore.  They exchanged wedding vows in 1956.  Willie was a longtime member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Chester, PA under the leadership of Rev. E. Ervin Millsap.  He later joined Union Baptist Church after relocating to North Carolina under the leadership of Bishop Sir Walter Mack, Jr.

Willie, aka "Gill" was a very well-known prominent entrepreneur in the city of Chester.  Willie and his wife, Versia, owned several businesses since the 1950's.  Two of his most successful businesses were Gilmore's Barber Shop, which he started in the 1950's.  He helped many, who were inspired to become barbers, by mentoring them during their apprenticeship.

In 1977, Willie, and his brother Clem, started Gill's Fuel Oil, Inc.  They provided fuel oil and heater service to various businesses and many residential homes in the city of Chester and surrounding areas.

Willie served the community in many capacities.  He was a member of the Chester Landlord Association since the early 1960's.  He was loved by all of his tenants.  He was also a member of the Chester American Legion and an honorary member of the Masonic Scottish Rite King Solomon Lodge #130.  He was a 32 ^nd degree.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Roland Gilmore, Clem Gilmore, Sr., and Cleonard Gilmore, Sr.; and his sisters, Otelia and Ophelia Garland, Irene Gilmore, Nancy B. Gaines, Jessie Young, and Marilyn Graham.

Leaving to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Versia Smith Gilmore; two daughters, Sonseeahray DeCarlo Crumpler of Winston-Salem, NC and Sonya LaJane Rice (Raymond) of Walkertown, NC; Enix G. Ford of Pennsauken, NJ; two special nephews who was like sons, Robert Graham, Jr. of Chester, PA and Emmanuel Albritton, III of Hampton, VA; one special niece who was like a daughter, Rena Albritton of Chester, PA; six grandchildren and one-great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard "Shorty" Gilmore (Diane) of Danville, GA; ten sisters-in-law; seven brothers-in-law; two very close and dear friends, Wesley T. Chapman of Winston-Salem, NC and Alber t Crumpler of Chester, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm Sunday, August 19, 2018 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Sir Walter Mack, Jr. officiating. The family visitation will be held from 3:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday at the Church.