Norris Gilmore

--- Page 1 --- Celebration of Life Norris Gilmore November 16, 1935 - May 29, 2014 --- Page 2 --- Home Going of Norris Gilmore Monday, June 10, 2013 Eleven O'clock In The Morning Pastor Bryan Murphy Officiating Order of Service Music Selection | "I Will Sing Hallelujah" Words of Encouragement Pastor Stanley Long Time of Reflection Solomon Terry Lila Bringhurst Bolin Phan Ray Churchill Ray Mayberry Anthony Gilmore Video Presentation Tribute Eulogy Pastor Bryan Murphy Music Selection | "Emmanuel" Closing Prayer Dismissal Musical Selection Step by Step, Whitney Houston Immediately Following Celebration of Life Home Norris & Juanita Gilmore 42473 Olive Court, Fremont, CA 94539 --- Page 3 --- --- Page 4 --- rieve not for me Nor mourn the while, For happier would I be To see you smile Let no tears fall Since I have passed away But miss me and Remember me each day. Live your lives As I would want you to, And treat your fellowman As I would do. And when the time has come, Your lives be through, I shall be waiting here For each of you --- Page 5 --- Acknowledgements CS The Family of The Late Norris Gilmore Is deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support and is strengthened by your prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, and other expressions of encouragement during the passing of our much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. May God bless each of you and may His name forever be praised. The Gilmore Family Please email the family to share your personal remarks and condolences gilmore725@aol.com --- Page 6 --- A Life Well Lived Norris Gilmore was born Saturday, November 16, 1935 at 4am in Hope, Arkansas. Norris par- ents, Steve and Sarah Gilmore died when he was only 3 years old. His older sister, Olivia and husband, Hubert Cheatham adopted him and his nephew Charles McPeak. They left Hope, Arkansas shortly after and settled in Stockton, California, where he grew up. Norris was the youngest of 15 siblings. He was just 17 when he first met Juanita, who was 14, one hot summer day in the onion fields of Stockton. He knew right away that she was going to be his wife one day. After he graduated from high school, he worked at odd jobs for two years. On June 3, 1956, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S.Army, an active duty airborne infan- try division of the United States Army, specializing in parachute assault operations into war zone areas, stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Two months later, he went home on leave; with Juanita now graduated from high school, they eloped on August 24, 1956 against all odds... married against Juanitas parent's wishes, Norris's car broke down on the way to the rendezvous location, their love and determi- nation persevered. After his discharge from the Army, they moved near Juanita's family in San Jose where their daughter, Sheila, was born in 1958 and his son, Anthony in 1960. Norris worked at the Ford Motor plant in Militas along with his father in law and brother, Charles. One day after work he was reading the "Sporting Green" 'section of the newspaper, he noticed a full page help wanted ad from Safeway. On July 21, 1964, his career with Safeway began. He went to night school and earned an associates degree from San Jose City College while rising up the ranks to Store Manager, Norris's first assignment was a tiny store on The Alameda in San Jose. After much hard work he was soon promoted to his next store in Seaside CA. He managed six other stores in the bay area from Santa Clara to Richmond until his final assignment on Grand Avenue in Oakland. He retired from Safeway in 1997. Retirement was short lived, wanting something more to do with his time; he started a career with H&R Block as a licensed tax preparer. This was a natural since he annually prepared doz- ens of tax returns for the family for as long as we can remember. A resident of Fremont since 1978 and member of Rotary International for over 20 years, Norris was active in the community. On September I1, 2001, Norris's life changed and he was on a mission to find a home....he found his home with South Bay Community Church and was baptized on March 28, 2004. Norris loved the Lord and loved the church. He would faithfully attend every Sunday. As a Patriarch of the Gilmore Clan, he touched so many lives with his wisdom, humor and optimism. Norris placed a high priority on his family, maintaining a stern discipline rearing his children and has carried over to his grandchildren and great grand child. He and Juanita had a great life together, travel- ing to all parts of the world, with the most popular destination -- cruising the Mediterranean. He loved music, football, baseball, great restaurants and a good joke. On Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 2:00 am, Norris transition to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Juanita Gilmore, children: Sheila Gilmore, Anthony Gilmore, grandchildren: Nelson McCoy, Anthony Gilmore II, Jasmine Barnes, Norris Barnes, Michelle Gilmore, great-grand child: Tylin McCoy, sister, Betty Gilmore-Finney, a host of many nieces and nephews, and a devoted church family. --- Page 7 --- To know my grandfather was to know a man who had ambition, passion and vision. Thank you God for allowing me to be his first grandson and my son be his first great grandson. Thank you for allowing him to be one of the examples I can fashion myself after. I am joyful, for my Grandfather is now with the council of Elders. Nelson McCoy, Grandson My grandfather was know for many notable quotes, the two quotes that resonate with me most: "A Fool And His Money Are Soon To Part," and "Once Isn't Always And Twice Isn't Forever" Anthony Gilmore IT, Grandson I woke up this morning to Norris Gilmore went to be with The Lord. The best father figure I've had so much wisdom & knowledge and he would always share it with us. Rest In Power grandpa. Norris Barnes, Grandson "Family First".....My grandfather inspired me to follow my dreams. He always said anything is possible - if you can think it you can achieve it with hard work and dedication. He taught me words ro live by Towe, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Grace and Happiness. dis legacy will live on in me. raine Barnes, Granddaughter Our Grandfather, who pesdred rom the love of thousands. It was your vibrant spirit that taught me character. Love radiated from your every step and every influence that built our beautiful family. Now the strength of your voice and the kindness of your heart resonates in an echo. Now I can hear your encouragements whispering in my ear. Blessed we were to walk alongside you in the embrace of your warmach, now with you in our hearts we can reflect your love. Michelle Gilsone I thank God that I was blessed to have a man like Unde Norris in my life! He was a great teacher and inspiration for me in my life!!! I know than he is up in heaven with the rest of the elders watching over the family and hopefully smiling! Miss you much, Uncle Norris! Steve Gilmore, Nephew My Uncle Norris was an incredible man! To see the determination and strength that he had during his sickness was inspiring to me! I could always call on him when I needed "straight, no chaser" type of advice. He will be missed! Danielle Williams-Smith, Niece