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Obituary For Superintendent D. R. Gilmore, D.D.
Superintendent D.R. Gilmore was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and a giant in the faith. Above all, he was a loyal and faithful servant of the Lord whose life was marked by unwavering faith, integrity, resilience, and steadfast leadership.
Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, on October 7, 1934, to the late Lottie Williams-Gilmore and Roy Gilmore, God’s hand was evident on his life from the very beginning. As an infant, when doctors declared he would not survive the night, his praying mother walked the floor in intercession. God worked a miracle, sparing his life, and she named him Doctor Ruark in honor of the physician who aided in saving him. That name, “Doctor,” or “D.R.,” followed him throughout his life as a testimony of God’s divine calling and purpose.
Educated in the Roxboro school system, he graduated from Person County High School and subsequently served his country in the Armed Forces. There, he received specialized training in guided missiles, rising to the position of Crewman Instructor until his honorable discharge.
On his way to New York City to pursue a career, Superintendent Gilmore made a stop in Harrisburg to visit family. It was there, at Broad Street Church of God in Christ (now Mount Calvary COGIC), under the pastorate of his uncle, Pastor Henry Williams, that God redirected his steps. During a revival service, the Lord touched his heart, and he gave his life to Christ. Harrisburg became his home, and Broad Street became the vineyard where he would pour out his service.
From the very beginning, Superintendent Gilmore approached every assignment with humility and excellence, serving as a choir member, youth leader, district Sunday School superintendent, YPWW president, treasurer, church driver, janitor, and teacher. He modeled the true heart of a servant, loyal to his pastor, his church, and to God.
It was during a state convocation that he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn V. Chestnut. Their courtship began with a simple car ride and blossomed into a marriage that spanned 61 years. United in holy matrimony on October 1, 1960, they raised five children together, building their home on the foundation of faith and love. His loyalty extended beyond his immediate family, as he later relocated his parents and siblings from North Carolina to Harrisburg, helping them secure homes and employment. The Gilmore household became a place of hospitality, filled with love, laughter, and fellowship.
For 14 years, Superintendent Gilmore faithfully served as assistant pastor to his uncle. Known for his readiness to preach with little to no notice, he often stepped in when Pastor Williams’ health required it. Week after week, he demonstrated his spiritual sensitivity, seamlessly picking up sermons and flowing with the Spirit. This forged his reputation as a preacher who embodied the charge: “Be ye also ready.”
In 1972, following the transition of Pastor Williams, Superintendent Gilmore assumed the mantle of leadership as pastor of Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ. His ministry spanned more than 52 years, guiding the congregation through seasons of growth, challenge, and triumph. Under his leadership, the church relocated to its present sanctuary, a testament to his faith and determination despite opposition. Sunday evening services became known throughout the region for their powerful preaching and expectation of God’s presence. His voice reached countless homes through the Mount Calvary radio broadcast, which he often referred to as “Radio Land”. A true shepherd, he was found at the rear door after each service, blessing members with a handshake, and in hospitals, praying not only for his members but for anyone in need.
In addition to pastoring, he served as a Field Evangelist and, in 1994, was appointed Superintendent of the Harrisburg District, a role he faithfully held until his transition. His loyalty and integrity in leadership were recognized when, in 2019, he was elevated to 3rd Administrative Assistant, and in 2022, to 2nd Administrative Assistant to Bishop Guy L. Glimp of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Superintendent Gilmore’s influence extended beyond the pulpit. He was the Vice-President of the Hope Forum and a member of the Interdenominational Ministers Conference of Greater Harrisburg (IMC). His life of service earned him proclamations from governors and mayors, the “Pastor of the Year” award for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, recognition in Who’s Who in the Church of God in Christ, the Kwanzaa Award for community service, and commendations from national leaders, including encouragement shared with former President Jimmy Carter at the White House. Pastor Gilmore's life exemplifies complete dedication to teaching Jesus and total obedience to the Holy Spirit. Appointed by God, he taught and preached, leading souls to the knowledge of holiness. It is fitting that on Sunday, February 11, 2007, Pastor Gilmore was named Doctor a second time when Dr. William Reynolds, Ph.D., presented him with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Emmanuel Baptist University of Connelly Spring, North Carolina.
Yet, despite these accolades, he remained humble, always giving glory to God.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children: Anthony Gilmore Sr., Kevin Gilmore Sr. (La-Kita), Jeffrey Gilmore Sr. (Chamane), Cassandra Gilmore-Jones (Al Jones), and Jeremy Gilmore Sr. (Monisha); his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings Brenda Ann Murphy (Larry) and Dessie Lee; the Mount Calvary Church family; and countless spiritual sons and daughters across the Harrisburg District and beyond.
Though he has joined the great cloud of witnesses, his life and legacy continue to echo in the hearts of all who were blessed by his ministry.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15
His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Sanctuary of the Shiloh Church of God in Christ, 5950 Derry Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.
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Regene Cornelius sent The Peace Lily for Superintendent D. R. Gilmore, D.D. - October 02, 2025
Gwendolyn L Hadley sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Superintendent D. R. Gilmore, D.D. - October 01, 2025
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Love him. Reminded me of my granddaddy— from the top of his head down to his shoes— suit, height, freckles everything! He is surely loved and missed!
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My sincere condolences to my family.
My condolences to my family at this difficult time.
To the Gilmore family may God bless and keep you during this time. Mrs Dessie I didn't get to talk to you it was good to see you and Berta. Love y'all much.
Prayers and condolences to Dr. Pastor Gilmore's near and dear, our thoughts, prayers, our love in abundance....
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🙏🏽⛪🙏🏽Dr.Supt.Pastor DR Gilmore To the Family, and Church what a blessing to know Pastor and Lady Gilmore the love for God, Family, Church, and serving the people with unconditional love.Well done thy good and faithful servant. A powerful gifted, anointed man of God has gone home to be with Abba Father.🙏🏽⛪ Continue love and prayers🙏🏽 Mother S.M.B. Carter, and family🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽
Correction thy true and faithful servant ! Rose Banks
My Family and i would like to extend our condolences to the Gilmore family at this time of loss of your dear loved one! Another Angel has received his wings ! Well done thou true and faithful servant! Venable Banks Family
On behalf of Dorothy Williams Carrington family, we send our heartfelt sympathy to Dr. Gilmore family. He was a loving and powerful man of God. My Mother and him were first cousin and they were more like sister and brother than cousins. A good soldier has gone to rest. Rest High Cousin and count it an honor to have known you.
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TO THE FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS.
Sending my love and prayers to my family on the passing of a Good Uncle and Pastor that I was blessed to have in my life.The promise I made to you and Aunt Gwen will never be broken.
To the family may you find peace knowing that your loved one was truly amazing funny and very caring I will always remember The blessings of him praying over my father Rev g you will always be in my heart sleep well with the angels you and sister Gwen
To the Family of Dr Pastor Gilmore, I am Doris Washington, Larry Buchanan's sister. My family and I would like to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Pastor Gilmore. He did so much for the community of Harrisburg. I have a poem that I wrote and have shared to many friends & family in time of their loss, and I hope this poem, "Memories", will help comfort you at this time of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you. Memories by Doris Washington I'll think of you, as the winter snow falls at night, and all is calm. I'll think of you, as the flowers blossom, preparing for the spring. I'll think of you, as autumn makes its way, after long beautiful summer days. I'll think of you, as seasons pass each year, reminding me of wonderful times we shared. And now that you're with Him, there'll always be the memories to cherish. I'll think of you.
Doris Washington(c) 2019. Email: Djeanw831@aol.com
My prayers and condolences to the family. He was a very nice person and a great Minister and pastor he will be miss very much. RIP
Condolences to the family, Heaven gained another Angel Rest in Eternity!
Condolences to the family.
Berta and family I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the passing of your love one God be with you all doing this mourning blessings to you all Yvette (YOUR BFF)
91 years is long life, I remember the day as I'm sure many do the day he became pastor of Mount Calvary COGIC. Looking back, although we were sad when God called home elder Williams it was a comfort when elder Gilmore became the Watchman On The Wall. I can remember many encouraging and funny conversations with elder Gilmore as well as some hard-hitting and tough conversations. Scripture tells us we shall know them by they're fruit, I Believe in My heart that I can say assuredly the elder Gilmore was a Great and Faithful Man Of God. To the family and friends I believe wholeheartedly that if you give your life to Christ woke up right and keep the truth in your heart and strive everyday to live a clean life you will see him again.... Because I can hear the Lord saying to Elder Gilmore. Well done, thy Good and Faithful Servant🙏🏾
Rest In Peace Doc
I was very happy to know Pastor Gilmore for 60 years or more I was part of the music department. Anything he asked I tried my best to do. He was a kind and loving man. He will be truly be missed by all. He is in a better place he can shout all day and bever get tried. Praying especially for his children and siblings .
Superintendent Pastor Elder D.R. Gilmore A man that has known me all of my life. When I was a baby he prayed for me when I was dying and the Lord healed me and I've lived 58 years because of his prayers. Him that had the gift healing and anointed man of God who could pray lay before God. Amen of God that could preach at a drop of a dime. He was an anointed man of God, a man that loved the Lord and loved people. He was a servant leader and man of Faith. He would do anything he could for anyone. He visit many people in the hospitals and the prisons and went to Holmes to give communion and to check on the saints of God. When my aunt Diane was about 12 years old she had convulshins the Lord healed. Diane and the doctor said that the convulsions will kill her as she got older. However, one night Elder gilmer was called around 4:00 in the morning. He prayed for her and she was healed. She never had another convulsion and she lived to be 55 years old. And she had cerebral palsy until she died in 2011. However, it was out to give more who prayed for Diane and she was healed. I love the church. Okay I love the people but I really really love my pastor. He is the reason why I would stop through and check on him no matter what church I was with. He was and will always be my father in the gospel. I love the family and I'm praying for them. Look up and know that God is with you. Know that we're always praying for your strength. And remember family. There's a bright side somewhere. Don't you? Rest until you find it. There's a bright side somewhere.
Thank God for Elder Gilmore he was one of a kind - his love ❤️ shine through the community he welcome everyone with open arms to his church never turn anyone away. His Light will continue showing in the community. He would never be forgotten. he definitely was a child of God May you rest in peace before our father in heaven Elder Gilmore you will always be loved.the Lord will continue to shine through the pastor's life and service, and ask for peace and strength for the congregation and the pastor's family.
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Dessie Lee and family. My prayers, love, condolences to you and yours family. Love Martin McGhee Jr. (bob)
Dessie Lee and family. I'm so sorry you loss your Brother. Asking God to enfold you in his faithful love and comfort you with the cherished memories you hold dear. Love Evon
Superintendent D.R.Gilmore D.D. To Family. Met him 1971 when I came to Harrisburg .visit brother Thomas Link . I call him uncle Doc. I'm so sorry hear about him has passed. We are missing him with sweet smile talk laugh. I love him when prayers for healing too. May precious memories that you hold in your heart bring you comfort in the days ahead I'm praying for family. Love Evon
My Deepest & Sincere CONDOLENCES to the Gilmore Family & Mt Calvery Church. Rev. Gilmore was a kind & caring man. I remember the last time that I saw & we spoke at Peachtree Restaurant he was dining with his son. May the NUMEROUS, Unforgettable memories of him be a blessing to all. 🖤🕊🖤
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
