BIDWELL — Faith and family are the two things lifelong Gallia County resident Andrew “Andy” Gilmore holds most dear. He’s been a football player, a soldier, an instructor and a leader in the community, and, should you meet him on the street, chances are you will be met with a smile and a hello.

Born on Dec. 11, 1943, at the old Holzer Hospital to George Y. Gilmore and Esther Gilmore, Gilmore was the first of his siblings to be born in a hospital. His two older brothers were born at home. Two more brothers and one sister would later follow to make a total of seven children in the Gilmore household.

Gilmore grew up during the demise of segregation, having attended his first two years of school at Lincoln Elementary, a segregated school. In the third grade, he moved to Washington Elementary, while his father, who worked as a teacher at Lincoln, was forced to find other employment.

In high school, Gilmore gained fame on the Gallia Academy football field, earning top honors including Football MVP (1961), GAHS Athletic Key winner (1962), National High School All-American and induction into the GAHS Hall of Fame. He graduated from GAHS in 1962.

Gilmore said growing up in a predominantly white community prepared him for his future.

“There was many a situation where I was the only minority in the group,” said Gilmore.

In 1963, Gilmore joined the United State Marine Corps and attended aircraft mechanic school at the Naval Air Station in Memphis, Tenn. He served 13 months in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner and was honorably discharged in 1967.

He returned to Gallia County where he attended Rio Grande College before starting his 31-year career at American Electric Power. He eventually worked as a master welder and welding supervisor at the John Amos Plant and James M. Gavin Plant. Gilmore retired in 2001. He later taught welding at Rio Grande Community College.

Retirement definitely hasn’t slowed down Gilmore. Between serving on the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau board, being an active member of the GAHS Athletic Hall of Fame, being a trustee of the Providence Regular Missionary Baptist Association and a long time member and trustee of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Bidwell, Gilmore also finds time to serve as president of the Emanicipation Celebration, reportedly the longest continuously running celebration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“I would like to see the (Emancipation Celebration) grow in recognition throughout Ohio and the country,” said Gilmore.

Often referred to as the “best kept secret in Gallia County,” Gilmore is constantly pushing to bring the historic event to the forefront of community involvement. And the community has given back, said Gilmore. Though the board is constantly striving to pull in more interest, they are grateful for the support they receive.

As far as race relations in Gallia County, Gilmore said he feels they are on the mend.

“I feel like it’s getting better, but could still use a lot of work,” said Gilmore who lives by the wise words of his father, passed down to him by his older brother, George.

“Our generation plants the tree so the next generation gets the shade,” repeated Gilmore. “It’s up to us whether we want to stay in the shade and rest on our laurels or go out and plant more trees for future generations.”

As for young black men and women moving up in the world, Gilmore said the basics of success haven’t changed since he was a youth: stay off drugs and get an education. And he offered this advice for young black men, “Pull up your pants and roll up your sleeves,” Gilmore said with laugh.

Making it a point to pass down what he’s learned, especially to his grandchildren who he calls “his heart,” Gilmore is quick to offer a helping hand and slow to receive praise, no matter how much it is deserved.