J. Dan Gilmore, 68, of Pensacola, FL passed away Monday, August 6, 2018.

J. Dan Gilmore was one of seven children born to Joe and Doris Gilmore in Savannah, GA. He traveled the world as part of a military family, but Byrneville, FL, home of his beloved grandmother, Mary, was the home of his heart. He was a graduate of Escambia High School and attended Pensacola Junior College and the University of Florida, School of Banking. He served his country in the USAF during Vietnam.

In his early career, he worked in the mortgage broker and banking industries, then transitioned to his true passion, real estate development. He served as President of both the Homebuilder's Association of West Florida and the Florida Homebuilder's Association. He was a community activist involved in issues such as charter government, land development code, and property rights. He was also instrumental in helping our communities recover after Hurricane Ivan.

Dan was a devoted Florida Gators fan, lover of all sports, and avid golfer. Dan had a vibrant spirit and was larger than life, always willing to help those in need and make life fun. He was a loving husband and father, doting grandfather, and an excellent endower of nicknames to his friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Harold Gilmore and mother, Doris Smith Gilmore.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Kathy S. Gilmore; son, J. Zac Gilmore (Cassie); daughter, Shelly Beasley (Robert); furry son, Sir Winston; grandbabies, Hunter Hall, Emma Beasley, Hannah Hall, Audrey Beasley, and Wyatt Beasley; sisters, Donna Gilmore (Corinne Kelly) and Patty Gilmore; brother, Michael Gilmore (Julie) all of Pensacola, FL; brother, Tom Gilmore (Karen) of Martinez, GA; brother, Jim Gilmore (Debra) of Seguin, TX; brother, Jeff Gilmore (Kathleen) of Owassa, OK; sister-in-law, Debbie Combs (Dick) of Pensacola, FL; brother-in-law, Ronnie Southern (Cindy) of Pensacola, FL; as well as nine nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris at 1:30pm Thursday, August 9, 2018 for a 2:00pm Graveside Service at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating and military honors. A celebration of life gathering will follow the graveside service at Dan's unofficial office / watering hole.

Active Pallbearers will be Bruce Childers, John Harold, Billy Ottendorfer, Vic Bindi, Dan Killingsworth, Robert Hurst, Eric Ottendorfer.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bogey Boys Golf Group.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Florida Blood Center, 2209 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Tom Sunnenberg, Nurses and Staff of Sacred Heart Oncology and Interventional Radiology departments, and Covenant Care Hospice.