John T. Gilmore Jr.

Mr. John T. Gilmore Jr., 82, of Pine Bluff, Ark., transitioned from this earthly realm into eternity on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. He was known as Sonny by family and friends. He was born in Prescott, Arkansas on August 1, 1935 to Reverend J. T. Gilmore and Mrs. Willie D. Duckett-Gilmore. John was predeceased by his parents, the Reverend J.T. Gilmore and Mrs. Willie D. Duckett-Gilmore, a brother who died in infancy, and a son, Stuart C. Gilmore. He began his educational journey in the Boughton Township of Nevada County, Arkansas. He later transferred to the public schools in Prescott and graduated from McRae High School in 1953 as valedictorian of his class. John continued his education, enrolling at AM&N College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), graduating, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine and Mathematics. After graduating from college in 1957, John received a fellowship to study radiological physics at the University of Washington in Seattle for one year. John served a two-year stint in the U.S. Army as a medic, where he was stationed in Alaska and Texas. John later received a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Two years later, he received a doctorate (PhD) from the University of Arkansas in Industrial Engineering. He was the first black to receive a doctorate in this field. In 1956, John gave his life to the Lord. His relationship with the Lord developed into a vibrant one, and he never looked back but continued to move forward in his pursuit of Christ. John served as a member of First Trinity Church of God in Christ in Pine Bluff, Ark. for over 50 years. The church honored him on March 29, 2015, declaring that day as "John Gilmore Day." John met the love of his life, Curley J. Usher, from San Antonio, Texas, while he was in the military, stationed in Texas. They eventually married and became the parents of one son, Stuart C. Gilmore. In his career as a college and university professor at UAPB, John served as professor of mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering, serving also as director of the Computer Science Program and coordinator of the Dual-Degree Program in Engineering. He later ascended to the position of Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, Pre-Engineering and Computer Science. He also served as graduate faculty in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. ln1974, John developed, organized and implemented the first Dual-Degree Program in Engineering at UAPB: He recruited the first eight (8) pre-engineering students and aided in obtaining financial assistance from private sectors, i.e., ALCOA Foundation, Exxon Foundation, General Electric and Monsanto, In executing his duties, he also served as faculty liaison for cooperative efforts in engineering with Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas; Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.; and Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. In 1981 and 1982, John served as design engineer for the United States Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Office, Little Rock, Ark. In addition to his professorial, civic and religious duties, John was also an entrepreneur. He was a real estate broker and owner of North Star Realty for several years. In this position, he served as FHA fee appraiser. From 1977-1983, he served as Area Management Broker, Department of Housing & Urban Development (Jefferson-Arkansas Counties, Ark.). John enjoyed reading and traveling. John traveled to Europe, South Africa and Asia as a member of mission teams. He was a philanthropist at heart and touched the lives of hundreds. John is survived by his wife, Curley J. Gilmore; one brother, Willie H. (Irma) Gilmore, Pine Bluff, Ark.; three sisters, Queenie Elizabeth Gibson (Urel), Kansas City, Kan,; Lillie M. Gilmore, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Cerceader L. Gilmore, Pine Bluff, Ark.; six nephews, Willie H. Gilmore, Dallas, Texas; Darryl E. Gilmore, DDS, Mansfield, Texas; Roderick S. Gilmore, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Lyle E. Gibson, Raymore, Mo.; and John Marcus Gilmore, Pine Bluff, Ark.; one niece, Kimberly L. Madkins, EdD (Cameron), Dallas, Texas; one great-nephew, Camron J. Gilmore-Gibson, Raymore, Mo.; one great-niece, Cynae Elizabeth Gibson,Raymore, Mo.; special first cousins, the Arnolds; a special cousin, Supervisor Lendora Early, Crossett, Ark.; and a host of other loveable cousins and friends, John's Celebration service will be held at 10 am Saturday, December 16, 2017 at First Trinity COGIC in Pine Bluff. The body will lie in state from 9 a.m. until time of service. Visitation will be held Friday, December 15, 2017 at First Trinity COGIC from 5-7 p.m. www.christianwayfh.com.