Bryan Christopher "Chris" Gilmore, Jr., 84, of Pensacola, FL, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Chris, a native of Pensacola, was born August 8, 1940, in the "old" Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue and grew-up on the corner of 8th Ave. and Maxwell St. He was a graduate of Pensacola High School, Birmingham-Southern College (BA), Florida Atlantic University (MA) and Florida State University (Ed.D.). Through the years, he was a devoted Christian and active church member at several churches including St. Mark United Methodist Church, Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church and several churches in the Ft. Lauderdale area.

His long professional career included stints at the Escambia County Juvenile Court, the Florida Division of Youth Services, and the University of West Florida, where he directed a program dedicated to having college students work with at-risk youth. That program ultimately expanded state-wide and had an incredibly positive impact on people along the way. He had a private counseling practice and, later in life, went to work in Florida Governor Lawton Chiles' office as a liaison for public-private partnerships. After retirement, he co-founded a consultant service to secure funding for municipalities working to keep their communities safe.

Most importantly, he was an amazing father to a self-proclaimed "daddy's girl." His "praise the Lord anyway" attitude and zest for life led to him on adventures around the world and he was a friend and confidant to so many he met along the way.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Bryan C. Gilmore, Sr. and Inez W. Gilmore, and an infant son, Michael.

He is survived by his wife, Helene Tragus; his daughter, Kristi Gilmore; his brother, Robert Gilmore; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who spent so much time with "Doc" in his last months – they are now family, too.

A private memorial service will be held for immediate family at a later date.

Memorial contribution may be made to: East Lake United Methodist Church at 7753 1st Ave. South, Birmingham, AL. 35206.