Billy Gene Gilmore

Billy G. Gilmore (MSgt. Ret.) of Jacksonville went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 8, 2017, completing his final flight at the age of 86. He was born August 9, 1930 in McClean County, Kentucky to Lawrence E. and Gladys Williams Gilmore. Billy graduated from Livermore High School and following graduation enlisted in the United States Air Force. Billy married his wife and best friend of 64 years, Betty Jane Wigginton on September 16, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a C-130 flight engineer, retiring in January 1978 after 26 years of service in the Air Force and National Guard. Billy was the recipient of many awards including The Distinguished Flying Cross in 1973 and an Air Force Commendation Medal in 1971. He retired from the City of Jacksonville as Sanitation Supervisor in August of 2008 after 17 years. Billy was a member of Marshall Road Baptist Church, joining in November 1970, where he served as a deacon among other positions. He was also a member of the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virginia Fulkerson. Survivors include his wife, Betty Wigginton Gilmore of Jacksonville, son, Dr. Barry Gilmore (Elizabeth) of Cordova, Tenn., daughter Kamiah Hove of Jacksonville, granddaughter, Kelly Gilmore of New Orleans, La., sister, Eunice Brown of Taylor, MIich., along with several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Funeral services with full military honors will be at 11 a.m., Saturday July 15, 2017 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home with Bro. Cliff Hutchins and Bro. Toby Talley officiating. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday July 14, 2017 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Billy's memory to Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society or to Marshall Road Baptist Church Children's Camp fund. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. 501-982-2136, online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.