Dr. Samuel Joseph Gilmore

1942-2021

Dr. Samuel Joseph Gilmore passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Vincennes, IN, in September 1942, Sam graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1968.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon, he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University, where he met his wife, Kathryn Maureen Kelly Gilmore. For over 40 years, Sam provided excellent patient care and delivered countless babies in Lenoir County. He served in leadership roles at Lenoir Memorial Hospital, including Chair of the OB-GYN Department for several years and Medical Staff President in 1989.

Later in his career, he worked with the Lenoir County Health Department caring for underserved women. In 2021, Sam was inducted into the UNC Lenoir Health Care Hall of Honor for his years of service and long-lasting contributions to the community. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed many joyful gatherings with his family.

His greatest joy was derived from the life he shared with Kathy, his adoring wife of 46 years. Sam will be remembered for his quick wit, eclectic interests, and insatiable thirst for knowledge. In addition to medicine, some of his greatest life passions were gardening, antiques, music, travel, Boston Terriers, and singing in the St. Mary’s choir.

Sam enriched and touched the lives of all those around him, leaving a mark on many that will be cherished and remembered for years to come. He is deeply loved and will be terribly missed. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, devoted children, Sammy Gilmore (Christy), Anna Gilmore, and Joel Gilmore (Theresa), and cherished granddaughters, Madeline, Claire, and Ella Grace. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Harley Gilmore, brother Sidney, and sister Diana Dee.

Friends are invited to attend a celebratory service on December 4th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston, NC. The family kindly requests facemasks be worn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Mary’s Kitchen Fund) or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences at www.WilkersonFuneralHome.com