Douglas Gilmore

Born in Wichita, KS on July 25, 1936

Departed on April 3, 2015 and resided in Nashville, TN

Douglas Carl Gilmore, age 78, born on July 25, 1936 in Wichita, KS departed from this world on Good Friday, April 4, 2015 at his home in Nashville, TN surrounded by his loved ones. Doug Gilmore was an athlete, a writer, a director, a manager, a mentor, animal advocate, friend, and damn great dad. Doug's soul shined through when writing a song, spinning a joke, or telling a great story of times and friends of old. Full of love, fire, and zeal for life, Doug did it right and lived his immense life to the fullest. We are all so lucky to have called him friend and family, I am lucky to have called him my dad.

Doug is preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys Inez Adams Gilmore and William Bell Gilmore of Dickson, TN, as well as Delaney Bramlett, his brother from another mother (Mamo). Doug is survived by his older brother, James Gilmore of London, UK, his Aunt Juanita and his cousins. Doug is also survived by his family, Winifred Holcomb, son Charlie (Craig) Holcomb and Charlie's fiancé Erin Hornsby; Doug's two sons Calvin and Mason Houghland, and their families, also of Nashville, TN; his daughter Kellye, his best friend and brother, Stewart Holdsworth, and Leslie Taylor, friend and assistant.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University (Class of '58), Doug was a Quarterback on the 1955 Gator Bowl Championship. After college, he signed a management deal with Roger Miller and moved to California in 1963. Roger won 13 Grammys, Artist of the Year, Writer of the Year, and Song of the Year. Doug always regarded Roger as a true friend. Doug also developed a lifelong friendship with Roger's drummer, J.I. Allison who co-wrote with Doug and produced two albums together.

Doug managed or worked with some of the greatest singers/songwriters of our era: Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, Sonny Curtis, Bobby Russell, Randy Sharp, and Leon Russell in 68. Doug co-wrote with Mickey Newbury and wrote a number #1 hit for Reba McEntire ("What In The World Am I Gonna Do About You").

As Music Director and producer, Doug worked with John Denver, with Meredith Wilson on the movie Semi Tough, produced the music for The Sonny & Cher Show, The Sonny Show and The Cher Show, co-wrote and co-produced 19 one-hour TV shows for Dean Martin Productions called Music Country featuring the first music videos of: Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Ray Stevens, Lynn Anderson, Jerry Reed, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Tom T Hall and many, many more.

Later Doug enjoyed directing various blues festivals in Clarksdale MS with his good friend and co-writer, Gary Vincent. Working with Morgan Freeman on the Blessissippi Bluesical Documentary and The King Biscuit Blues Fest, Doug loved Clarksdale and his friends there in the Delta Blues. To the very end, Doug always provided comic relief with his famous one-liners and interesting life stories. For those cherished memories and his kindness toward others, we will remember, love and miss him dearly.

The Gilmore family will receive friends at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home (9090 Hwy 100 Nashville, TN 37221) on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Visitation begins at 2:30pm. A celebration of Doug's life will begin at 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Leash On Life, send donations in his name to (507 Jim Draper Blvd, Lebanon, TN 37087) www.newleashonline.org