Gale Raymond Gillum

Gale Raymond Gillum died May 1, 2025, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, WA. Gale was born to Walter and Wanda Gillum on February 15, 1946, in Modesto, CA. He lived in the Modesto area during his childhood and had an older brother, Russ, and a younger sister, Connie. He loved to make music with his father and friends; they played instruments and sang together often.

Gale joined the Navy when he was 18 and was a firefighter apprentice. He married and had four children. Gale loved taking his family camping and fishing. He was a Boy Scout leader when his sons were growing up, always teaching them strong life skills. He was also a square dance instructor and an immensely talented artist. Gale carved wood and leather artworks and could paint very well. He owned his own towing business as well as a western artwork studio with his wife, and was a boot and shoe repairman. His friends and lots of people in his life loved him. He was always the life of any party or gathering and a gifted storyteller. He lived life with a loving heart and will truly be missed.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Gillum; sons, Matthew, Raymond, and Jason Gillum; sister, Connie McKelvey; brother, Russell Gillum; and grandchildren, Andrew Gillum and Melody Gillum.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:15 AM, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA 99022.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.