Luther Gilmer, Jr. was born on August 22, 1926 to Ethel Brittan Gilmer and Luther Gilmer, Sr. in Laurel, Mississippi. In 1932, the family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois with the hope of a better future. His education journey was through School District 189, reaching his goal of graduating from Lincoln Senior High School.

Luther confessed his hope in Christ and became a member of Friendship M.B. Church in East St. Louis, IL. He was united in wedlock to Irene Woods on July 3, 1948. During his adult life, Luther worked at East Side Casting Co. for 30 years and at Contract Cleaners Services for approximately 5 years.

Luther departed this life on December 4, 2018 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital at 2:54 a.m. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memories, his loving children, Charles Payne (William) of Florissant, MO., Therese Gear of Dellwood, MO and Evelyn Hicks (Robert) of Taylorsville, MS;   his loving sister, Ethel Herman of Santa Ana, CA; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, and friends.