Samuel Clayton Gilmore

1943 - 2025

Samuel Clayton Gilmore, 82, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025. Born in Poteau, Oklahoma, on February 11, 1943, Sam spent most of his life in Oklahoma City, where he built a remarkable career and a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Gilmore; his parents, Ethel Laverne and Clayton Samuel Gilmore; his son, Dwayne Gilmore; his siblings, Jocie Faye Hock, Ona Mae Woolard, and Leroy Gilmore. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and his little dog Kris.

A proud graduate of U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City, Class of 1961, Sam went on to study finance at Central State University, beginning a long and respected career in banking and commodities trading. He began his professional journey as a banker in Oklahoma City, providing financial support to some of the largest cattle ranchers in Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Later, he worked alongside Willard Sparks, helping to operate several major feed yards. His career eventually brought him to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became a valued member of McVean Trading Investments, LLC, working with Charlie McVean as a commodity trader until his retirement in 2019.

Sam loved sailing, working on old cars, cooking, bartending, teaching many about finance, how to tell what grade of cattle he was looking at and how to purchase a good quality of meat, age it and cut into steaks.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Sam returned to Memphis, where he moved into Trezevant Episcopal Home, a retirement community. There, he made many dear friends and gave generously of his time, volunteering at Dottie Diggs. Sam found joy in staying active and helping others whenever he could.

Sam was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in his later years, facing the challenges of both illnesses with grace and courage. He was lovingly supported by his devoted friends, including Mrs. Gee Gee Chandler, who stood by him to the very end, as well as his trusted caregivers, Mike Curle and Amy Booker. Sam also deeply trusted Dow McVean and Rita Curle to look after him during his final years, and their care and friendship meant the world to him.

Sam will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to those he cared for. His work family at McVean Trading, along with his many loved ones, will miss him greatly.

In Lieu of flowers the family kindly requests you please make a donation to the Peer Power Foundation:

Peer Power Foundation
850 Ridge Lake Blvd Suite One
Memphis, TN 38120
peerpowerfoundation.org peerpowerfoundation.org/>


Viewing and Funeral service will be at RestHaven, 500 SW 104th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at 10:00 AM.