<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 330
By Slater
HJR0330
005072
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Dr. Larry L. Gilmore of
Gallatin.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Dr. Larry L. Gilmore of Gallatin; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Gilmore was an esteemed pastor and community leader who
worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous capacities;
and
WHEREAS, born in Evansville, Indiana, on January 28, 1948, Dr. Gilmore was grounded
in his faith and received his call to ministry early on in his life; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation from Tillman High School in Paducah, Kentucky, in
1966, Dr. Larry Gilmore earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown College in 1970 and
continued his theological education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he
received his Master of Divinity degree in 1974, followed by his Doctor of Ministry degree from
the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gilmore was proud to pastor numerous churches throughout Kentucky,
Texas, and Illinois before his calling to First Baptist Church of Gallatin, where he established a
new church for the growing communities across town; and
WHEREAS, he founded College Heights Baptist Church in 1976, and under his astute
leadership, the church and its congregation flourished, providing its members with a
compassionate and enthusiastic church family; and
WHEREAS, a respected leader in his profession and his community, Dr. Gilmore
eventually guided the establishment of the College Heights Christian Academy in 1986 and was
elected president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1998; he later served as State
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Director of Evangelism for the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, a position
he served in from 2003 until his retirement in 2012; and
WHEREAS, even in his retirement, Dr. Gilmore continued to demonstrate excellence in
his calling as a man of God and served as an interim pastor for churches throughout Kentucky
and Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gilmore was deeply devoted to his family; he always endeavored to
remain true to family values of the highest order and was most proud of his roles as husband,
father, and grandfather; and
WHEREAS, throughout his many worthy endeavors, Dr. Larry Gilmore was blessed with
the love and support of his wife, Linda Kay Harris Gilmore, whom he married on August 30,
1969, at First Baptist Church of Murray, Kentucky; together, the Gilmores faithfully served the
Lord, embarking on a lifelong ministry that spanned multiple states and touched the lives of
countless individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gilmore leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Gilmore served his faith and his community with distinction, and
he should be remembered for his many contributions and the example he set for others; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Dr. Larry L. Gilmore, reflecting fondly upon his
service to God and humanity and his steadfast commitment to living the examined life with
courage and conviction. We extend our sympathy and offer our condolences to the family and
friends of Dr. Gilmore.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.