William “Bill” Gilmer, Sr., 91, of Fayetteville passed away at his residence on January 27, 2017.

Bill was born in Flowery Branch, Ga. on September 14, 1925 to the late Lon and Minnie Gilmer. He joined the Navy in June 1943, serving his country in World War II. He fought in engagements such as D-Day and Iwo Jima on the USS Nevada.

Bill is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Rainwater; brother, Fletcher Gilmer; and son, Michael Gilmer.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca of Fayetteville; son, David (Kim) Gilmer of Bowden; sister, Margaret (Rev. James) of Snellville; grandchildren, Nicolas Gilmer, April Baum and Allison Huggins; four great grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews; stepsons, Rod (Jennifer) Wright, five children and one grandchild, of Fayetteville, and Nathan (Maxie) Wright, two children and four grandchildren, of Eufaula, Ala.; and sister in-law, Rosemary Bennett Pope, of Dahlonega.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville. The family will receive friends prior to the service, starting at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.