Horace Gilmore: A Name Shared by a Federal Judge, Artist, and Philanthropic Partner

The name Horace Gilmore may not immediately ring a bell to the average person. Still, it holds historical significance across several sectors, including law and justice, the fine arts, and philanthropic engagement. Spanning decades and disciplines, individuals named Horace Gilmore have made meaningful contributions in their respective fields, each leaving behind a legacy worth exploring. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the stories of three prominent individuals known by the name Horace Gilmore: Judge Horace Weldon Gilmore, Horace Gilmore the artist, and Horace Gilmore, husband of Rhonda McCullough (widow of late comedian Bernie Mac). Whether you’re conducting historical research, looking for auction records in fine arts, or exploring charitable movements, this article aims to be your ultimate resource.

Who Was Judge Horace Weldon Gilmore?

Early Life and Education

Born on March 4, 1918, in Saginaw, Michigan, Horace Weldon Gilmore laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to justice early on. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts (1939) and Juris Doctor (1942) degrees from the University of Michigan, one of the most respected law schools in the country.

His academic journey coincided with the turbulence of World War II, during which he served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1942 to 1946, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.

Legal and Judicial Career

Following his military service, Gilmore entered the legal profession, clerking for Judge Charles Simons of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. This valuable mentorship set the tone for Gilmore’s distinguished career in public service and law.

Over the years, he held several critical roles:

• Private practice attorney in Detroit, Michigan (1947–1951; 1953–1954)
• Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (1951–1952)
• Deputy Attorney General for the State of Michigan (1954–1956)
• Judge of Michigan’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court (1956–1980)

His federal judicial career began when he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He served actively until 1991 and then took senior status, continuing to serve until his death on January 25, 2010.

Legacy and Influence

Judge Horace Gilmore is remembered for his integrity, judicial wisdom, and commitment to the Constitution. His papers, reflecting decades of public service, are archived at Wayne State University. They cover topics like criminal justice reform, civil litigation, and community leadership.

He also played a crucial role in revising Michigan’s Criminal Code, contributing significantly to modern legal practice and legislative clarity.

Horace Gilmore – The Postwar and Contemporary Artist

While Judge Gilmore made waves in courtrooms, another Horace Gilmore earned recognition in the world of postwar and contemporary art.

Biography and Artistic Style

Though lesser-known than mainstream artists, Horace Gilmore (d. 1999) built a reputation in the art community through distinctive works that often explored marine themes, American nostalgia, and modernist interpretations.

His most recognized painting, “Sailing Vessel,” gained attention in the art market and sold at Heritage Auctions in 2011 for $956, indicating steady interest among collectors and auction houses.

Exhibitions and Recognition

His work has been showcased in esteemed galleries such as:

• Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery
• South Dakota Art Museum, where his contributions were included in exhibitions like “Succession: Artists and Their Students from the Museum Collections” in 2023.

Though not a household name, Horace Gilmore’s art has achieved posthumous recognition in specialized exhibitions focused on American realism and regional artistry.

Auction and Market Insights

Artworks by Horace Gilmore have been sold with price estimates typically ranging from $100 to $ 1,000, depending on the size, medium, and condition. His pieces are often featured in online galleries and auction databases such as:

• MutualArt
• Artnet
• Invaluable

Collectors interested in mid-20th-century American art often find Gilmore’s work to be of solid investment and aesthetic value.

Horace Gilmore – Partner of Rhonda McCullough

Another modern-day bearer of the name is Horace Gilmore, who married Rhonda McCullough, the widow of comedian Bernie Mac.

Personal Life and Relationship

Rhonda McCullough was married to Bernie Mac for over 30 years before his untimely death in 2008 due to complications from sarcoidosis. Several years later, she found companionship in Horace Gilmore, a longtime family friend.

They married on December 31, 2010, marking a new chapter of healing and mutual support. Rhonda has often credited Horace with bringing stability and love back into her life during an emotionally trying period.

Charitable Work

Horace and Rhonda Gilmore have continued to support The Bernie Mac Foundation, an organization focused on raising awareness and funding for sarcoidosis research. Horace Gilmore has played a quiet but supportive role in the foundation’s public engagements and outreach programs.

Public Perception

Although he maintains a low public profile, Horace Gilmore has occasionally been featured in interviews and articles, mainly when Rhonda discusses her journey of grief and healing. Their story resonates with many who understand the profound emotional toll of losing a loved one.

The Legacy of the Name Horace Gilmore

Though these individuals operated in vastly different arenas, they share common themes of:

• Service
• Creativity
• Commitment to community and legacy

Whether it’s the jurisprudence of Judge Gilmore, the brushstrokes of artist Gilmore, or the quiet strength of the modern-day partner, each iteration of Horace Gilmore has made lasting contributions.

Final Thoughts

The name Horace Gilmore may appear generic at first glance, but its legacy is rich, varied, and deeply rooted in American history, culture, and philanthropy. Whether you’re studying American law, curating art history, or following the life of a beloved public figure’s family, the various Horace Gilmores offer stories of impact and inspiration.

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