John Edward Gilmer, age 87, of Hillsboro, peacefully passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Gilmer was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Lucille Gilmer; his sister, Mary Jo Langford (Bobby); a baby brother; his son-in-law, Charles Harryman; and his great-grandson, Nathon Hill. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Louise Brown Gilmer; his daughters, Debbie Hill and Donna Harryman; his sons, John D. Gilmer (Kathleen), Dennis Gilmer (Dawn), and Jeff Gilmer (Shelia); as well as his grandchildren: Jeremy Hill (Crystal), Johnathon Hill(Amy), Jordan Hill (Julee), John Reese Gilmer (Abigayle), Drew Gilmer (Sarah), Dylan Gilmer(Rachel), Ryan Gilmer (Kayla), Eric Gilmer, Dusty Harryman (Sarah), and Maddie Harryman. He also leaves behind seven cherished great-grandchildren. Born on March 20, 1937, in Hillsboro, John lived a life rooted in the values of hard work, community, and family. He attended Prairie Plains School and graduated from Coffee County Central High School. After completing an electrical apprenticeship program at AEDC, he devoted 41 years to the organization, rising through the ranks to retire as an electrical supervisor. Outside of his career, John focused on farming, using his passion and skill to cultivate row crops, buy and sell equipment, and work at Barton Implement in Coffee County. John was well known and respected within the John Deere community, where his knowledge and expertise left a lasting impression. Farming helped support his family and enriched the community. John’s commitment to his community was evident in all he did. He served a term on the Coffee County School Board, contributing to the betterment of education for future generations. John was a longtime member of Prairie Plains Church of Christ, where he practiced his faith and built meaningful connections.  A proud Mason for 57 years, he was a member of Hillsboro Lodge #382 and a 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason, exemplifying the principles of integrity, charity, and brotherhood. John was a devoted father and grandfather, always supporting his kids and grandkids by rarely missing their sports games or academic milestones. He was a selfless man, always willing to help others, even if it meant giving them the shirt off his back. John will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, steadfast devotion, and a heart full of love for his family, his community, and the land he called home. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the example he set for all who knew him. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, with a Masonic service following visitation at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at 11:00am in the chapel of Central Funeral Home with Billy Robison officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma.

Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gilmer family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com