Hepburne G. Gilmore

My Dad, Hepburne Gilmore

Dad departed this life on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was born on November 8, 1964, in Belle Glade, Florida, to Vernell Ruby Moss and the late Hardley Gilmore. They later moved to Maryland, where he received his education through Wicomico County Public Schools. While in school, he played both basketball and football.

In his later years, Dad held many jobs, spending ten years or more at each one. One job he was especially well known for was working at Reddy Ice. At every cookout, everyone knew exactly who to call for ice.

Dad was also a true grill master. As soon as people saw him pull out that grill, they would ask what he needed to get the BBQ going. Those who knew him know he would start fussing a little, but eventually he would begin handing out jobs and making sure someone got that card table ready. And nobody could see him in spades.

Dad had so many ways of helping people whether it was fixing a kid’s bike, helping someone move, clearing and hauling things from a yard, or volunteering at the food bank. And if he really loved you, you got some of his famous spaghetti.

My dad had a big heart. He loved his family and friends all the way around and would always call to check in. He tried his best to make sure everyone in the family knew one another. He even treated my sisters as his own.

Now as for me, I knew for a fact my dad loved me because he would say, “That’s mine! (Insert explicit word.) From her head to the bottom of her feet, that’s mine!” He never went three days without checking in. To say he will be missed is by far the biggest understatement.

Dad was preceded in death by his grandmother, Daisy; his father, Hardley Gilmore; his sister, Karen Gilmore; and his best friends, Leroy Hunter and Gary Hargis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Vernell Ruby Moss; his daughter, Andrea Gilmore-Christy; his son-in-law, William; and his grandson, Imai Gilmore-Christy. He also leaves his daughters-in-love, Whitney Smith, Candiz Smith, and Jasmine Turner; his grandsons-in-love, Kaleb White and Elijah Smith; and his granddaughter-in-love, Reine Timothee.

He is also survived by his brother, Roger Moss Sr. (preceded in death by Denise Handy Moss); his niece, Michelle Moss (great-nephew Zymir); his nephew, Roger Moss Jr. (great-nieces Kyla, Zariyah, and Iyana, and great-nephews Gabriel and Jahmari); and his niece, LaToya Moss, along with his great-nieces Lanasiah, Danajah, Deajah, and JaMyiah.

He leaves his sister, Sabrina Gilmore-Thoms; his nephews, Ykeem and Kaysan; his brother, Michael Moss; and his brother, Hardley Gilmore Jr., along with his nephews, Hardley III and Hardley IV, and his nieces, Har’kecia, Kimmy, and Mikia.

He also leaves his paternal brothers and sisters, Debra, Linda, Nanford, and Tarvis, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing and visitation will be held 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, 521 Mack Avenue, Salisbury, Maryland.