Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Amos and Angeline Culbertson Gilmer. He was a member of Honea Path First Baptist Church and a veteran of the US Navy. He was retired from Torrington.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are: a son, Rodney Gilmer of Anderson, a daughter, Joyce Waters of Honea Path, two step-sons, Brian and John Lindley, two brothers, Wayne Gilmer and wife Diane, and Jerry Gilmer and wife Peggy, all of Greenville, four sisters, Marian Branyon and husband Dennis of Honea Path, Maxine Gilmer of Honea Path, Jean Burkette and husband Charles of Greenville, Annette Burkette of Honea Path, six grandchildren, Jamie Tyner and wife Kacie, Dylan Waters, Mollie Kate and Emily Gilmer, and Brandon, Garrett and Kendrick Lindley.

Graveside services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2013 at Garden of Memories with Rev. Mike Moody and Rev. Paul Cooper officiating.

The family is at the home and will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Pruitt Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1825 Rogers Rd, Anderson, SC 29621. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com. Parker-White-Pruitt Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.