Johnny Lee Gilmore

Johnny Lee Gilmore was born on January 28, 1947, on Pebble Hill Plantation in Grady County, to the late Arthur Gilmore Sr. and Florence Harvin Gilmore Tims.

As the sun was rising on the morning of July 28, 2024, the Lord called him home after a courageous battle. He accepted the Lord at a young age and was a faithful member of New Hope CME Church of Leon County, FL until his passing. Johnny held several positions within the church, to include Trustee, Treasurer, and Recording Steward, just to name a few.

He was a proud member of the class of 1964 at Washington Consolidated High School in Cairo, GA. While in high school, he excelled in sports and academics. His bond with his classmates was important to him, which is why he and the class continued to enjoy cruises, birthday lunches and just spending time together.

After graduating high school, Johnny attended Albany State College (now known as Albany State University) where he majored in Mathematics and minored in Political Science. However, before he graduated college, he was drafted into the Army to go to the Vietnam War. Like so many other aspects of his life, he fought with relentlessness and tenacity and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and heroism. He was also awarded several other service medals, to include the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Upon returning from the war, he obtained his college degree and began teaching at Central (now Thomas County Central) High School in 1974 and continued to teach math for 37 years in the area.

Service to his country and community was always important to him, which is why he spent over 40 years working in various leadership roles with the American Legion Post 519 in Thomasville, GA.

He leaves to cherish his memories: A longtime “Soulmate” who loved him dearly, Debra Lewis, Thomasville, GA. One daughter, Angelita Marria (Ephraim Leverette) Thomasville, GA, and two sons: Amadeus Marria (Leticia Haynes), Riverdale, GA, and Byron (Angel) Rogers, Kileen, TX. One sister: Melvia Tims Springle, Thomasville, GA. Two brothers, Arthur Gilmore Jr., Albany, GA, and Carl (Carol) Tims, Macon, GA. Johnny was also surrounded by love from his bonus children: Rashan Hill Jones, Sylvia Hill, and Anthony J. Hill all of Thomasville, GA. Fourteen grandchildren: Jeremiah Gaillard , Jerome Gaillard , Terrance Rashaad Smith, Randy Smith III, J’Mari Marria, Jalen Marria, Jemir Goolsby, Pilar Jones, Donald Corker, Sanaa White, Shannon White, Camren Hill, Anthony J. Hill, Jr., and Zamari Hill. One great-grandson, King Omega Smith. One loyal and devoted god-daughter: Anastasia Eason, Thomasville, GA. One niece, Ciera Tims, and four nephews, Robert Gilmore, Marvin Springle, Jr., Camden Tims, and Marquis Springle.

There are a host of cousins and extended family and friends who will miss his smile and lively personality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Gilmore, Sr., and Florence Harvin Gilmore Tims. His sisters, Virginia Gilmore and Louise Gilmore, and brother, Stanley Tims.