Walter Marshall “Sonny” Gilmore

Published 6:00 am Sunday, April 22, 2012

    Services for Dr. Walter Marshall “Sonny” Gilmore will be Monday 11 a.m. at First Christian Church with the Rev. Dr. Tommy Register Sikes officiating. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

    Dr. Gilmore, a lifelong Meridian resident, died April 20, 2012 in his home. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, dentist, and friend to many.

    Dr. Gilmore was born on December 14, 1925 to George Walter Gilmore and Jewell Jones Gilmore.

    Of his many accomplishments, he regarded his years as starting center on the Meridian Wildcats Big 8 championship team of 1942 and 1943 among his most proud.

    An avid golfer and outdoorsman, he loved teeing it up with his friends at Northwood and playing par golf for many years, having won  the Club Championship and recording nine hole in ones , including two on consecutive days. He also loved to wet a hook with his buddies Giz and John Lewis.

    In his earlier years, Dr Gilmore enlisted in the Navy right out of high school and served our country in the Pacific Theatre on a Landing Craft Support ship for over two years. He viewed his duty to country as a high honor.

    Upon returning home, he enrolled in college at Birmingham Southern, became a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and was later accepted to dental school at Loyola University in New Orleans, having been elected student body and senior class president. He was admitted to the Psi Omega dental fraternity and Blue Key Honor Society while there.

    He married his sweetheart and best friend, Gail Griffin in 1950 and they returned to Meridian where he started his dental practice. He was very active in his church having served as Presiding Elder, Trustee, Chairman of Worship and Fine Arts, and Chairman of the Board of First Christian Church. Among his civic duties, he served as president of the Meridian Exchange Club. Popular with the young people of Meridian, he was also elected Phi Kappa and Dusty Dad, and served as the first coach for Lamar High School’s Golf team.

    During his 44 year career in dentistry, he served as President of the Meridian Dental Society, the East District Dental Society, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and was elected as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Dental Association. He also was recognized for outstanding service by being inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, serving as Deputy Regent.

    He faithfully served his many loyal patients with gentle care and compassion, and was blessed with a wonderful career, surrounded by family and friends.

    Dr. Gilmore was preceded in death by his parents, George Walter and Jewell Jones Gilmore. He is survived by his wife Gail, and they celebrated over 61 wonderful years of marriage. He also is survived by a son Dr. David Gilmore and his wife Mary, and their children Marshall (Mary) Mary Katherine (Alex) and Laura Beth, and daughter Leslie Boykin, and her children Brett (Katie), and John Bartley.

    Visitation will be held in the sanctuary of First Christian Church from 6-8pm Sunday with the funeral service conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the church with the Reverend Dr. Tommy Register Sikes officiating. Pallbearers will be the Elders of First Christian Church.  Burial services will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be sent to First Christian Church, or a favorite local charity.

    Family and friends may sign online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.