Fredrick E. "Coach" Gilmore

Obituary For Fredrick E. "Coach" Gilmore

Fredrick E. Gilmore, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on September 12, 2025. Visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church located at 1947 31st St, Sarasota, FL 34234. Services will be held 11:00a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Light of The World International Church located at 3809 Chapel Dr, Sarasota, FL 34234. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

Fredrick E. Gilmore, a native of Sarasota, was born on April 28, 1965, to Eugene and Annie J. Gilmore.

Fred was a proud graduate of Booker High School. He continued his education at Sterling College (Sterling, Kansas) and Alcorn State University (Lorman, Mississippi) on a football scholarship.
He began his professional career with the Southland Corporation as a store manager once returning home to Sarasota. He found his true calling with the Sarasota County School Board, where he served faithfully for 28 years before retiring. At Booker High School, Fred wore many hats: Athletic Director, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Security Guard, but to most, he was simply “Coach Fred.”

As a coach at Booker High School, Fred left a lasting impact in weightlifting, baseball, and football. He guided multiple state champion weightlifters and led teams to county and district championships.

As Baseball Skipper, his tenure included several district titles and playoff appearances, with players moving on to Division I programs and even the MLB draft.

Football was where Coach Fred earned the bulk of his accolades. Among them: Sarasota Herald-Tribune Coach of the Week (numerous times), Sarasota Herald-Tribune Coach of the Year (twice), Florida Dairy Farmers 3A Coach of the Year, Florida Dairy Farmers State Coach of the Year Runner-Up, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Week. Over his career, he directly coached more than 100 players who went on to play collegiate football, five Herald Tribune Players of the Year, multiple professionals across the NFL, AFL, and CFL, including three NFL draft picks and one Pro Bowler/Super Bowl Champion.

Beyond Booker High School, Fred poured into Sarasota’s youth for decades through the Ringling Redskins Youth Football League (most notably coaching Dakota) and Newtown Little League Baseball. Fred’s greatest passion was investing in kids and his community. He will be remembered as a dedicated servant, always ready to help, not just children, but anyone in need. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the players he mentored, the coaches he uplifted, and the community he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Eugene and Annie Gilmore, Grandfather; Barnes Gilmore, Grandmothers; Nellie Gilmore and Ruby Steen and several other aunts and uncles.

He leaves to cherish his memories, His sisters; Vindinna Gilmore, and Tabril White. His sons, Brian Law and Sheldon Cantrell. His grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, coaches and a community whom will miss him dearly.