of Benton, AR

December 26, 1946 - January 3, 2024

Gary Gilmore, 77, of Benton, a passionate enthusiast of all things with an engine and wheels took his last drive on January 3rd, 2024 after a valiant battle with brain cancer. Gary passed away peacefully at home as he wished. Gary was born in San Pedro, California to Richard and Lodene Gilmore. Gary's first job was being a paper boy carrier for the L.A. Examiner. He started with his bicycle at twelve years old delivering the papers. After a year, he was able to buy his first motorcycle, a little Honda. He was so proud. He had such fond memories of this even though he had to get up at 4 A.M. His family helped on rainy days and he really dreaded the Black Friday editions and the occasional dog. His mother said she cried the first day he rode away with his bicycle because he was so small. When he "retired" from this job after 5 years he was given a beautiful engraved watch, which he cherished. Gary had a lot of go even this young. Gary continued expanding his motorcycle riding to dirt bike racing at Ascot Park and desert riding at his favorite places, Jaw Bone Canyon and El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in California.

After graduating from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, Gary attended Habor City Community College studying diesel theory. Soon, thereafter, Gary, known to be a bit shy, began courting the love of his life, Cathy, after some gentle nudging from his future brother-in-law. They were married in 1971 and relocated to Arkansas where they eventually co-founded Arkansas Fuel Injection, Inc. in 1986 with business partner Jerry McMillian. Arkansas Fuel Injection is still going strong. Gary was so proud of its success and the strong bonds he had with his employees. They are family to him.

In his free time Gary enjoyed racing in the Arkansas Hare Scramble Series for twenty years. With age comes wisdom and a desire to avoid broken bones, so Gary traded in two wheels for four wheels becoming an active participant and board member of Central Arkansas Corvette Club. He and Cathy loved Corvette trips and making new friends in the Corvette community.

Gary enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, crossing off many destinations off his bucket list, including Panama Canal, Australia and going to twenty four hours at Le Mans, France and visiting Normandy Beach to see where his father had landed in World War II.

If untimed trivia championships existed, Gary would have been the champ. His knowledge of the military, geography and classic movies were unmatched. He also patiently and dutifully attended many a quilt show with his wife and was quite helpful holding up her quilts for photos. Of course, they always arrived in a Corvette he was a more than willing to chauffer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cathy (Burk)Gilmore; son, Patrick B. Gilmore of Jacksonville; sister, Teresa Atkinson and her husband, Don of Bodfish, California, as well as many nieces and nephews, which he loved doting on and was so proud of them. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his beloved Labrador named Ellie, his princess of a cat, PurrPurr and a certain White Kitty who is likely holding him accountable.

Gary was quiet, steady, dependable, honest, hardworking and very generous. He was a loving husband and father. He is going to be so missed there are no words. He was our rock.

A service of remembrance will be scheduled at a later date.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com