Kelvin Keith Gilmore

Kelvin Keith Gilmore was born in McComb, MS to the parents of Edward Gilmore and Eva Carol Gatlin-Gilmore. He leaves to mourn his love and caring wife of 49 years Gloria McCray-Gilmore, son Mario Darrell, daughter-in-law Kari Ann, grandson Mario Jordan and granddaughter Carmen Symone.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Bill Clark Gilmore and Joan Ginn. He leaves to cherish his memories; Edward Lamar (Minnie), Glenda (John), sister-in-law Rhonda of Chicago, Illinois. Gloria P. Morgan (Odell) of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Bruce Chandler (Deliah) of Vienna, Virginia, Gregory Anthony (Monique) and Warren Ellis Gilmore of McComb, Ms. His favorite sister-in-law Lyda “Tina” (Jesse) of Jackson, MS and Sierra Beime of Los Angeles, Ca. Brother-in-law L C McCray Jr. of Biloxi, MS.

Keith was a graduate of McComb High School where he played several sports and ran track. He shined on the basketball court showing his talent of three point shot before it was implemented in the rules. He began his career working at the hometown newspaper, “The Enterprise Journal” where he received on the job training as Assistant Press Foreman. He mastered one of the largest printing presses at the time called “GOSS” which enabled him to operate it in other areas such as “The USA Today News” that paper was published nationwide. He also worked for “The Jackson Daily News” for many years in Jackson Mississippi. In 1980, Keith returned to McComb to work at The Enterprise Journal and expanded his role as a writer reporting on the activities in the black community, especially focusing on the sporting events. He loved working with young people and sharing his love for sports and can-do attitude. He was taught by his father “no excuses” and he passed that down to everyone.

In 1988, Keith located to Morgantown, WV to work at the First Black Owned Car Dealership in West Virginia. Bruce, CEO, Warren, finance and Keith focus was servicing and sales. Of course, he worked in any area as needed. Hard work and commitment paid off as the dealership won awards in their first year and continued to move upward to Dealership of the Year and earned other awards.

After parting with Ford Motor Co, Keith wanted to figure out what he would do next. He met Mike Puskar President and CEO of Mylan Pharmaceutical. Keith stated to Mike that he wanted to work for his company, and Keith was hired the next week in Research and Development. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship between them, and they spent many hours talking about the company and its progress in generic drugs manufacturing. Soon he became liaison between the Union and President Puskar for contract negotiations. He remained there for 17 years before retiring in 2010.

He joined Greater St Paul AME Church Morgantown, WV under the leadership of Reverend Jackie Dorsey. He was a supportive and faithful member. He worked to improve the church in every way possible. Even though he lost his eyesight he did not lose his vision. A wiz on the telephone and was constantly calling patrons, colleagues and friends with money to facilitate his projects or endeavors. He shared with Mr. Puskar that our church needed a new sound system and Mr. Puskar response was to get whatever you need, and he would take care of it. He was Greater St Paul AME Church’s Unsung Hero in 2021. He loved the Lord, and he loved the church. Reverend Georgia Morrow became our pastor after Reverend Dorsey, and they soon formed a loving relationship as she saw his personality and ease of getting things done. He served as Trustee for many years.

Keith is involved in the improvement of education and recreation in his hometown of McComb, MS where he and others established a Flag-Football League in 2018 for girls and boys all races’ ages 6 to 12 fully funded by donations and sponsorships from local businesses and personal friends.

He would like to be remembered for doing good things for others and wanted everyone to be happy.

His favorite scripture is Isiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Friends and family will be received at Greater St. Paul AME Church, 61 Beechurst Ave., Morgantown, on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Demetrius A. Greer, M. Div., officiating.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and the full obituary may be viewed at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.