Carl DuVall Gilmer, III

Carl DuVall Gilmer, III died suddenly on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. He was the son of the late Carl DuVall Gilmer, Jr. and Catharine Mandeville Carradine Gilmer.

Carl graduated from Rhodes College with a Bachelor's degree in Piano with Distinction. He earned a Master's Degree in Sacred Music in organ from Union Theological Seminary, NYC, Magna Cum Laude, did post-graduate study at Indiana University, and completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Memphis.

An exceptional organist, singer, conductor, teacher, and mentor, he taught at Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA; Radford University, Radford, VA; and Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA.

Carl was musical director and organist at Trinity Episcopal Church, Hamburg, NY;Galiliee Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, VA;and Organist/Director of Music and Administrative Assistant for First Congregational Church in Hendersonville in 1994. More recently,Carl worked as bookkeeper for 2 Guys Pizza & Ribs and was organist and director of music at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Saluda since 2008.

Carl is survived by his life partner of over 38 years and fiancé, Stephen Spence; one brother, John Dalton Gilmer, of Nashville, TN ;sister-in-law, June Gilmer Hayes of Memphis, TN; and one nephew, John Kevin Gilmer and his wife, Kathy of Memphis, TN.He loved cooking, reading, playing bridge, and spending time with Stephen, beloved pets Kayla and Roxanne, and many dear friends.

A Memorial Eucharist will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda at 2 pm Sunday December 14, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Fund of The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 72 Charles Street, P.O. Box 275, Saluda, NC, 28773.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com . Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.