Donald Ray Gillum

Donald R. Gillum, 64, beloved husband of Allison Arnett Gillum, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky after a brief illness. He was born in Ashland, Kentucky to the late Edgar and Genora Smith Gillum on June 5, 1956. Mr. Gillum served his country honorably for 21 years in the United States Army in the Military Police, and retired as Sargent First Class in 1996. His many tours had him serving across the United States including Fort Jackson, South Carolina Basic Training, Fort Wainright, Alaska 472nd MP Co.; Fitsimons Army Medical Center, Colorado, 241st MP Detachment, where he was an MP Investigator. During his three tours at Fort McClellan, Alabama, he served variously as AIT, Spec 4, SSG Training Brigade - Range, and D787th Drill Sargent. He served as SFC Recruiting Command, in Gainesville, GA. As well he served two tours on Johnston Atoll, Pacific Ocean, first as Staff Sargent and then as NCOIC of Security. His last tour was at Fort Knox, Kentucky as SFC 543rd Military Police. He was especially proud of his role as a Drill Sargent, SFC, D787th at Fort McClellan, Alabama where he impacted many young troops’ lives. It has been humbling and rewarding over the years as many of his former troops have continued to reach out to him to thank him for the positive way he shaped and molded them as military service members and as citizens of this great country. After retiring from the Army, he served as a Police Officer for the US Mint Police, US Treasury Department for 15 years stationed at the Fort Knox Gold Bullion Depository. He served as President of the WM R Burns FOP Lodge #039 in Elizabethtown, Ky. Notably, he was selected as a Special Federal Officer for security for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002; and Security Detail for the 2008 Presidential Inauguration for President Obama, Washington, DC. Additionally he served on the Ft McClellan DOD School Board, Fort Knox Community School Board, Pack Leader Fort McLellan Boy Scouts, Softball and Soccer Coach. He was President of the Rosemill Neighbors Association, Lexington Ky, and a member of Jeep Jamboree USA. He was also an active member at Southland Christian Church serving as door greeter for several years. He was also a 32nd degree Master Mason, Scottish Rite, and American Legion member. In addition to his beloved wife, Allison, he is survived by his son, Matthew (Logan) Gillum, Louisville; his precious granddaughter, Sunnie; brother, James (Della) Gillum, FL; his first wife, Lynn Johnson Gillum-Wilson (Tom), and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He also leaves many great military and civilian friends that impacted his life greatly. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. His deepening personal faith in God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guided him throughout his lifetime. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be Monday, July 6, 2020 from 5PM-8PM at Clark Legacy Center, 601 E Brannon Road, Nicholasville, Ky. 40356. A Military Graveside Service will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Pewee Valley Cemetery, 404 Maple Road, Pewee Valley, Kentucky 40056, officiated by Rev. Gordon Walls, Southland Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, The Wounded Warrior Project, or Southland Christian Church, Nicholasville, Ky.