Bennie Cleveland Gilmore was the fourth child of Cleveland William and Elsie Mae Stamps- Gilmore, and the sixth of fourteen children born to Elsie Mae Stamps-Gilmore-Lee. He was born at home on Woodland Ave., Cleveland, Ohio on December 30, 1938.

Bennie had a rough life. He was dropped on his head by his sister causing a wide gash in his skull. He also suffered from severe whopping cough. Unable to keep the medicine in his system, Elsie prayed for a way to help her son. She felt that the way to help him was to add his medicine to a milkshake made with eggs. He grew from being a skinny young boy into a strapping youngster. But his early medical issues created problems for him in school. He missed a lot of school, and was advanced because of his age and size, not because he mastered the basics. Today he might have been diagnosed with a learning disability. But the lessons he learned from his mother carried him through the many jobs he held during his lifetime. “Keep doing a job till you get it right.” “Do it the best you know how.” “Keep your word- it’s your bond.”

Bennie’s life was dedicated to family. Because his father was killed in an accident when he was seven years old, Bennie put family first in his life. When given the opportunity to move to Seattle, Washington, he refused to leave his children without a father.

Bennie readily admitted the mistakes he made, and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have harmed. He believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and living a life pleasing to Him. He enjoyed all genres of music but was particularly fond of Christian music. Bennie sang during church services at St. Paul Lutheran Church, E. 55th St., and St. John Lutheran Church, Garfield Heights.

An avid bowler, he participated in the “Lump in the Throat” tournament sponsored by Cleveland Pneumatic employees. He earned the nickname “Channelball” for his numerous gutter balls! He enjoyed roller skating, rollerblading, volleyball, and cycling.

Bennie loved to drive and made several trips to California as well as to the East Coast from New York to Florida, visiting family along the way. Bennie and Judy also enjoyed two trips overseas to visit Ben in Germany and then to attend his wedding in Slovenia. A ten-day trip through Italy and Germany followed that celebration.

Bennie held many jobs during his lifetime and would work two or three jobs at one time to support his family. He set pins at Cedar Center Bowling alley, delivered groceries to neighbors, worked with his brothers at the Farmers Market on Woodland Avenue, made tabletops at G&L Glass, learned about metal finishing, spray painting and finishing at All Craft, and was a laborer at the Jones & Larkins Steel Mill. He retired from BFGoodrich (formerly Cleveland Pneumatic) after 34 years of employment having worked in several departments.

Bennie touched the lives of many people, including family, friends, and coworkers. His closing phrase to anyone on the telephone was, “Have a blessed day.” He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Judith, children: Renee Carter , Douglas Gilmore , Ben (Rafaela) Gilmore, Benita (Bill) Morrison , Denise (Ed) Jackson-Carter , Carmencetta Vannoy , Davetta Gilmore, Bennie Gilmore Jr., and Cleavon Gilmore; step-children: Abigail (Timothy) Jasper  and Jonathan (Ashley) Jasper; and siblings: Sam (Sandra) Gilmore , Henrietta Sledge  and Linda Tobias. He leaves behind former wives Rosetta (Bobbie) Bluntson, and Virginia Rodriquez. He was a grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bennie was preceded in death by his father, mother, and siblings: David Stamps, Louise Taylor, Arthur Gilmore, Rose McClinton, Willie Jean Edwards, Charles Gilmore, Elsie Cleveland, Cletha Banks, Ira “Tommie” Lee, George Lee, former wife Luberta Gilmore, and son, Anthony Gilmore.

Bennie Cleveland Gilmore’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.