Robert Eugene Gilmer's Obituary
Robert E (Bob) Gilmer, age 72, left his Parkinson’s and Dementia behind and passed into Jesus’ loving arms at his home on Thursday, April 9, 2015 as his family prayed, read scripture, sang and listened to hymns. Bob didn’t complain about his disease because he praised God for fulfilling his childhood dream- of getting to be a PILOT! Bob was born on December 31, 1942 in Sulligent, Alabama to Robert and Edith Gilmer. His family moved to Birmingham, AL where he graduated from Woodlawn High School and then went on to the University of Alabama. He served 6 years in the Marine Reserves. He and Nancy met at Lakewood Baptist Church, married in 1965 and were blessed with 49 ½ years of marriage. Six months after their marriage Bob began his journey toward becoming a pilot. While working 40 hours a week he began flight lessons, studying at night with flying practice on weekends. At the same time he was never too busy to service the Lord as he and Nancy managed to teach senior high students in Sunday School at Center Point Baptist, (B’ham.) Being a man of strong faith in Christ, he served wherever he lived repairing church buses at Calvary Baptist in Dothan, Alabama, working with singles, teaching a youth class and serving as a deacon in Porter, Texas, teaching a men’s class and serving as a deacon at First Baptist, Duncanville, smiling as a greeter and teaching a church group in his home as members of Crossroads Bible Church. His last place of service was at Denton Bible where he helped with preparation for communion until he could no longer comfortably stand and help. He has so much respect for Tommy Nelson, pastor of Denton Bible that he attended his men’s bible study weekly before going to work. After retirement, when he could no longer drive, his son Steve took him. Bob used his walker to get to his class, and later Nancy took him to Denton Bible for preaching in his wheelchair as long as he could. What an example he was to his family of devotion to Christ! He loved God’s word and was faithful from the beginning to the end of his life. Bob’s love of flying led him to employment with Cessna Aircraft, Natomas, McRae Oil, Smith International, Lear Petroleum and best and last of all Thompson Oil and Gas in Dallas for his last 25 years of employment with the wonderful Thompson’s who treated him like “family.” Bob also had airframe and power plant mechanic certificates along with his inspectors certificate. Rarely idle, Bob kept his hands busy with oil paintings of aircraft, making models of planes, ships. He rebuilt a Taylor craft plane in his carport, in Dothan, rebuilt mustangs, and restored his 1965 original mustang which he still has. He rewired gorgeous “Gone with the Wind” era antique oil lamps, restored antique furniture, welded, and built additions to our home. Bob planned to learn to weave using an antique spinning wheel that belonged to his great aunt. He also enjoyed fly fishing. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nancy and their sons, Steve and Greg and wife, Tonya; grandchildrenn, Helaina, Leilani and Madeline; sister, Evelyn of Birmingham and many beloved nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Bob will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2015 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243
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