John Wilson Gallimore

John Wilson Gallimore, LCDR, USNR (Ret) 1926-2017 John Wilson Gallimore, age 91, of Pensacola, Florida, died on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Bayside Health and Rehabilitation Center with his wife at his side. John was born on May 16, 1926, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. He was the son of the late John Smith Gallimore and the late Pearl Antoinette (Byars) Gallimore. John was also preceded in death by his sister, Julia Linker; brother, Keith Gallimore; and his beloved daughter, Sharon Sue Gallimore. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Eulalie (Aynes) Gallimore; daughter, Linda Malone (Ray) of Pace, Florida; and son, Steve Gallimore (Debbie) of Pensacola; grandchildren, Melissa (Curt) Hutcherson, Jessica (Shawn) Nix, and Kevin (Malissa) Gallimore; and six great grandchildren. John grew up in the hills of North Carolina dreaming of becoming a pilot. After graduating from high school at age 17 as Salutatorian, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a radioman and fulfilled his dream of flying, serving as an enlisted naval aviator (Silver Eagle). He later received his commission and cherished “Wings of Gold.” He flew a variety of aircraft throughout his active and reserve military years, including jets, but his favorite aircraft was always the Grumman F8F Bearcat. After discharge from active duty, John continued his passion for flying in the U.S. Naval Reserves, worked as a flight instructor at Hawthorne Aviation Company in Georgia, and worked in Federal Civil Service as a Link training instructor and instructor in aerodynamics at Corry and Whiting Fields. After retirement, John occupied his time as a gardener and avid rockhound and spent many hours running and swimming at our beautiful beaches. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway. Family viewing will begin at 1:30 p.m., with family and friend visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Interment service will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARC Gateway, Pensacola, Florida, where his beloved daughter attended for many years. Condolences and memories may be expressed online at www.fcfhs.com.

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John Wilson Gallimore

May 16, 1926 - September 25, 2017