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.
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12 Condolence(s)
Eric Holmberg
Friday, October 11, 2024
Very nice story about Gary, Cathy.
I knew Gary at high school with smile and story about riding or racing motorcycles, and all the wins that got away.
Tammy Williams Mannis
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Kathy & Patrick,
I just heard about Gary's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind for sure and I know you have hard days ahead. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Yall were so good to David and I. We loved you all so very much. With love and thankfulness for a life well-lived. Tammy
Ronnie Tanner
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Norman Dickson
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Joyce & Harold Green said this of Gary, "If there is a racetrack in Heaven, then I know Gary is racing on the Streets of Gold. He will be forever missed here on Earth". I don't know how to say it any better, because this applied to everything that Gary set his mind to doing. All things done well was Gary's life. He lived fully and lifted up all that He came into contact with. From the first time I meet Gary & Cathy I knew that God had found the perfect mates and as a team they completed each other in ways that only God can put together. A man of great wisdom, honor and love for life and his fellow man Gary completed his race in fine style.
Our hearts are saddened beyond our understanding but are also lifted by the great memories of knowing such a wonderful friend for whatever time God gives us to enjoy each other. To Cathy and Patrick and all your loving families we love you all and are praying with you and lifting you up with the grace that only God can give during this time.
jim & Suzanne Meredith
Friday, January 19, 2024
What an awesome friend to everyone that knew him.
Our Condolences to and your son.
Suzanne & Jim Meredith
Gorman Smith
Monday, January 15, 2024
Gary was a good friend and a super person.
Richards Honda Yamaha
Friday, January 12, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha
Joyce & Harold Green
Friday, January 12, 2024
Cathy,
Harold and I send you our sincere condolence on Gary’s passing. We know how much Gary loved you and your son and family. He was quiet but would speak his mind, if asked. He was a man full of wisdom and humility.
We loved Gary as a dear friend. We enjoyed all the times that you and Gary were our “Traveling Buddies.” We wish that we could have gone on many more. Gary would be proud to see that you can drive the Corvettes now.
If there is a racetrack in Heaven then I know Gary is racing on the Streets of Gold. He will be forever missed here on Earth.
We love you, Cathy!
Robert Espinoza
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Cathy your eulogy of Gary was perfect I couldn’t have said it better.
We met in the 7th grade he was quiet and unassuming, a kind soul.
God Bless him may he RIP
Jeri Gilbert
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Cathy im so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, Craig always had a lot of stories of his friendship with Gary over the years and their slot car adventures. We always enjoyed our visits with you and Gary. My condolences to you and Patrick
Love cousin Jeri
Garry C Begoon
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Cathy, I’m so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. I just found out today. I was always really fond of him as you well know. I’ll miss him calling me and asking if this was “Ol 2 R” since he only had 1 r in his name. He was a great man and will truly be missed by anyone that knew him.
Mitzi Ferguson
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Cathy and Patrick, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying you find comfort in each other, your family and your wonderful memories. What a life well lived.