Charles Lee Gilmore Sr.

Charles Lee Gilmore Sr. was born on October 3, 1939 in Taylor, Texas to his parents, Oswald Gilmore and Magnolia Rogers.

Charles passed away on October 4, 2025 in San Diego California, at the age of 86. He was married to Elenora Gilmore and was a loving father to Charles L. Gilmore Jr. and Tina Rothwell.

Dad was hard working and dedicated. He spent 22 years in the Navy as a Chief Radioman. After he retired from the Navy, he worked 20 years at the Civic Center in San Diego.

While in the Navy he earned five Good Conduct Medals, fifteen Battle Excellence, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and two Humanitarian Service Awards, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal, and he was a trusty Shellback.

Dad’s hobbies and interest help define who he was. He enjoyed spending time with his family, which often meant fishing and watching sports on TV with his son and nephews in San Diego and Texas. That will forever leave a mark on us.

He is survived by his son, Charles Jr., daughter in law, Keyla, and grandchildren: Jamal, Edward, Nathaniel, Janay, Magnolia, Rashad, Aubrey, Sergio, Nina and Christina.

Great-grandchildren include Rashanique, Louis, Rosalind, Rufus, Sasha, Nia, May, Jibrill, Mason, Alexis, Isaiah, Kordyn, Gemini and Marie; great-great grandchildren include Simani, Aolani, Kenai, E'avna, E'riah, Del`mond, Da'lil. He also had three stepsons, Harold, Anthony and Bronson, and daughters-in-law, Doris and Edna, and their kids, Lee, Sheri, Mia, Bronson Jr., Latonya, Eraina, Yvette, Yusef, and Anthony Jr. They all called dad BIG DADDY.

He was also very fond of his nieces, Debra, Ladonna, and Zina, and dad loved his sisters, Wanda and Linda, and his brother-in-law, Oday Sr.

When it comes to his nephews, Demon, Kevin, Oday Jr., Gerald and Tederrial and niece Tanessa, dad would have a big Kool-Aid Smile on his face.

One of his biggest Joys was talking to me about my grandfather, Sam Rogers, He loved him dearly.

My family and I would like to thank Ms. Jackie and the Contreras family for the love and care they had for dad.

We find comfort in knowing that dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us. The love and memories he shared, we will cherish forever. He was a Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother and friend. You will be truly missed.