Superintendent D. R. Gilmore, D.D.

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.