Richard G. Gilmore

Richard G. (Rick) Gilmore went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday June 22, 2013. Born in Michigan on June7th, 1949 to Donald & Martina Gilmore, Rick served his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 through 1992, retiring a First Sergeant with a rank of E-7. Being the son of an Army intelligence officer, Rick was quick to enlist to protect his country. Rick always wanted to fly and be around aircraft so the Air Force was a logical choice. Rick spent time at Pope Air Base in North Carolina; where some of his most cherished memories are flying with the combat Talon "Black Birds"; Clark Air Base, Philippines; Travis Air Base in California and volunteered as a flight engineer as an instructor at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville. He came down with heart problems, was grounded, and volunteered to become a First Sergeant. Rick was later selected to become the First Sergeant of a start-up mobile Electronic Security Command Squadron in Germany. After 2 years, he returned to Little Rock as the First Sergeant for the initial C-13-0 Training Squadron before retiring 2 years later. Rick was most proud of his time served in Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force, Rick became a Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch for 5 years and the Vice President of Investments with UBS Financial Services for 11 years. Rick was predeceased in death by his parents and one daughter, Ruthie. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Pat Gilmore; mother-in-law, Essie Bradley (99 years of age); three stepsons, Chris Collier, Tim (Lisa) Collier and Greg (Polly) Collier; one brother-in-law, Joel (Kathy) Bradley; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by two sisters, Chris and Rita both of California and one daughter, Lauren. Rick was an avid Razorback fan, a lover of all animals and always willing to help others in need. A celebration of Rick's life will be held 10 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Thursday June 27th with the Reverend CB Baker officiating. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock with full military honors. Friends may pay their respect from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Hot Springs Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Dr. Mendelsohn and Dr. Stearn of Little Rock Hematology Oncology; Dr. Tim English and the doctors and all the nurses at Family Medicine; Dr. Robert Muldoon and the doctors at Genesis Cancer Center; Dr. Martin Koehn and all the nurses on the 5th floor Hospice wing at Mercy Hospital. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Luke's Episcopal Church or the Humane Society of Garland County. Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com.