Walter D. "Joe" Gillum Sr.
Walter D. "Joe" Gillum Sr.
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Walter Gillum Obituary
Joe was born October 16, 1938, in Logan Co., KY, to the late Willie Gillum and the late Daisy Mae Bandy Gillum. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Gillum, and two brothers Charles M. Gillum and David Lawrence Gillum
He is survived by son, Walter Dallis Gillum Jr. (Beverly); six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two nieces and one nephew.
Joe was a member of Living Hope Baptist Church. He was a dedicated former EMT for the Medical Center where he served the community with compassion, calm, and unwavering commitment to helping others in their moment of need. Caring for people wasn't just a profession, it was who he was.
As a licensed private pilot, Joe found freedom and joy in the sky. Weather in the sky or on the ground, he never met a stranger. Joe had a grit for conversation; he could talk to anyone about anything and left people smiling wherever he went. Known as a natural jokester, Joe brought light to countless days and made friends out of everyone he encountered.
Above all, Joe will be remembered for his generous heart, lively spirit, and the genuine connections he made throughout his life. Joe leaves behind many who will miss his stories, laughter and larger than life presence.
Visitation will be at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel and begin at 8:30 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 until service time at 11:00 am with burial to follow in Bowling Green Gardens.
Expressions pf sympathy may take the form of donation be made to Global Ventures; by mail at P.O. Box 1860 Catoosa, OK 74015 (in the memo line of the check put "Lorena Espy" or donate online at give.globalventures.tv (if donating online, type Lorena Espy in the search box and click "pushpay".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
O. Mike Johnson, DVM
January 20, 2026
Joe and I worked together at the City-County Hospital when the EMS first opened. He always had a smile on his face and a tale to tell. He encouraged me to get my pilots license, something I have always been proud of. Joe hung wall paper in my first house and as aways passionate for precision.
Many happy memories, my thoughts and prayer to his family.
O. Mike Johnson, DVM, EMT-P retired
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820 Lovers Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42103
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