Dr. William Edmund Gilmore, 94, of Whispering Pines, N.C., formerly of Parkersburg, died Feb. 12, 2013, in Pinehurst, N.C., surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Gilmore was born Sept. 22, 1918, in Wheeling, W.Va., son of the late Dr. and Mrs. John W. Gilmore.
Dr. Gilmore is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maxine Merrill Gilmore of Whispering Pines, N.C.; their five children and spouses including, Susan G. Mouyal (and Pierre) of Atlanta, Ga., William E. Gilmore Jr. (and Mary Lee) of Southern Pines, N.C., Dr. John W. Gilmore II of Palm Springs, Calif., Betsy G. Balassone (and James) of Los Altos, Calif., and Scott M. Gilmore (and Kimberly) of Charlotte, N.C.; and five grandchildren, Merrill W. Balassone of Los Angeles, Calif., Elizabeth G. Balassone of San Francisco, James M. Balassone II of Los Altos, Calif., Mackenzie S. Gilmore of Charlotte, N.C., and Katherine A. Gilmore of Charlotte, N.C.
Dr. Gilmore graduated from West Virginia University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. He completed his internship at Philadelphia General Hospital prior to being commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy, and serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II. He then completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before establishing his practice in general and thoracic surgery in Parkersburg from 1950-1987. Dr. Gilmore's distinguished career included leadership roles in several professional organizations such as governor of the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, president of the West Virginia Medical Association, president of the medical staffs at Camden-Clark Memorial and St. Joseph's hospitals, president of the Parkersburg Academy of Medicine, and clinical professor of surgery, West Virginia University School of Medicine. The University of Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association honored Dr. Gilmore in 1993 with the Ralph Hawley Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Gilmore's commitment to public service included the West Virginia Heart Association, West Virginia Division of the American Cancer Society, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of West Central West Virginia, American Red Cross, Boys Scouts of America, president of the Community Concert Association, 12 years as team surgeon to the Parkersburg High School athletic teams, and a President's Partner for West Virginia Wesleyan College. Dr. and Mrs. Gilmore were members of Parkersburg's St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the Parkersburg Country Club. Dr. Gilmore was also an Eagle Scout, varsity athlete in football, basketball and baseball at West Virginia University, and Life Loyal Member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines, N.C., is handling the arrangements.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service is being planned for a future date.
Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of the donor's choice in honor of Dr. William E. Gilmore.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
