Jerry Calvin Gilmore IV

Jerry Calvin Gilmore IV was born on July 12, 1972, to his parents, Jerry Calvin Gilmore III and Jeanette Davis Gilmore at Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The youngest child of the family, Jerry, affectionately known throughout the community as " Lil Jerry and JG" —was blessed with a larger-than-life personality, an entrepreneurial mind, an unwavering love for his family, and a heart that was always open to others. On Friday, August 7, 2026, JG unexpectedly transitioned from this earthly life at home. Though his departure came far too soon, the impact of the life he lived will endure through his children, family, businesses, community, and the countless people whose lives were made better simply because they crossed his path. Jerry was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System and graduated from Carver High School in 1990. A natural competitor with determination and drive even as a young man, he was a proud member of the Carver High School football team. Following graduation, Jerry attended Winston-Salem State University before pursuing the profession that had become synonymous with the Gilmore family name. In 1995, he earned his degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia. Jerry was baptized in 1981 at New Bethel Baptist Church under Reverend Dr. Jerry Drayton. Jerry developed a foundation of faith that remained an important part of his life. He believed in God, family, hard work, and treating people with dignity. Honesty, honor, tradition, loyalty, fairness, discipline, compassion, and perseverance were more than words to JG—they were principles that guided the way he conducted business, served families, built relationships, and lived his life. Entrepreneurship was in Jerry's blood. Building upon the entrepreneurial spirit established by generations of the Gilmore family, JG began creating businesses at a remarkably young age. He possessed the rare ability to recognize an opportunity, understand what people wanted, and then transform an idea into something successful. His early ventures included J&G Detail, an automobile detailing business, followed by Star Communications, a pager and communications business, and Royal Motors. Each venture sharpened his instincts as a businessman and demonstrated a quality that would define his career: JG was never afraid to create his own opportunity. It was in the entertainment and promotions industry, however, that JG would truly distinguish himself. Long before social media transformed the way events were marketed, JG understood the power of promotion, relationships, branding, and creating an experience people would remember. His promotional ventures brought some of the biggest names in entertainment to North Carolina and helped establish the region as a destination for major celebrity events. JG did not simply promote parties; he created experiences and built a culture. Through vision, persistence, credibility, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people, JG elevated entertainment promotions throughout the Carolinas. His events became known for attracting large audiences and nationally recognized entertainers, and his reputation grew because when JG put his name behind an event, people knew he intended to deliver. His influence extended far beyond the events themselves. JG understood that knowledge had greater value when it was shared. Young promoters, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs frequently sought his advice, and he willingly taught others what he had learned about promotions, marketing, business development, relationship-building, and entrepreneurship. For many, JG became a mentor—a businessman willing to explain the game, open a door, make an introduction, give advice, or simply encourage someone to believe that their idea could become something greater. His influence can still be seen in entrepreneurs and entertainment professionals throughout the region who benefited from his knowledge and examples. While entertainment showcased JG's creativity and entrepreneurial brilliance, funeral service represented something deeper: family, tradition, responsibility, and legacy. Following the transition of his beloved father, Jerry Calvin Gilmore III, JG embraced the responsibility of carrying the Gilmore family legacy forward. He understood that the Gilmore name represented generations of service and that families entrusted to their care were often experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their lives. JG regularly used his businesses, relationships, and promotional platforms to serve the community that had supported him. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, his events became opportunities to provide food, gifts, and other assistance to families who might otherwise have gone without. JG was the person people called when they needed help. He offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, encouragement to those trying to find their way, assistance to families experiencing hardship, and opportunities to individuals who simply needed someone to give them a chance. He loved deeply, gave generously, protected those he cared about, and remained fiercely loyal to family and friends. He understood people from all walks of life and had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Yet among all his accomplishments as an entrepreneur, entertainment visionary, funeral professional, mentor, and community servant, the roles that mattered most were the ones closest to his heart. He was a son, father, brother, a partner, uncle, relative, mentor, colleague, and friend. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved father, Jerry Calvin Gilmore III; his sister, Donna Patrice Gilmore; his grandparents, Jerry C. and Frances Gilmore and David and Alice Davis; his aunt, Cynthia Gilmore; aunts, Pauline (Robert) Carmon, Helen (Robert) Edwards, and Hilda (David) Hope; and uncles, Mondel Gilmore, Lavon Gilmore, and Gene Grier Jr. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving mother, Jeanette Gilmore, sons, Jonathan and J.C.; his daughters, Jerrika and Jianni; his bonus son, Josh; his fiancé', Kimberly; his sister, Monica (Brent) Lassiter; siblings, Shaun Starnes and Darryl Napper; uncle, David Davis and Harold Smith; aunts, Delois Coble, Shirley Shelton, and Cornelia Gilmore; his God-grandmother, Mother Mattie Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, the Gilmore staff, dear friends, colleagues, business associates, mentees, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, compassion, generosity, and love. His earthly journey ended unexpectedly, but his influence did not. The lights may dim and the music may fade, but a life lived with purpose leaves an imprint that time cannot erase. JG's was such a life. And so, while we mourn the unexpected loss of our beloved Jerry Gilmore IV, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Jerry Calvin Gilmore IV

July 12, 1972 - August 7, 2026