July Lecture: Hidden Figures of Maury County: John Smith Gilmore

Continuing the series, “Hidden Figures of Maury County,” Mr. John F. Nelson will discuss the life and legacy John Smith Gilmore, who after serving in the United States Army with Company H 111th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry, founded the Richland Creek
Baptist Association.

Mr. Nelson retired after thirty-six years as a civilian employee for the US Army. He served as the Director of the Affirmative Action Employment Program and Director of the Black College and University Funding Program while stationed at the Pentagon; the personnel manager responsible for the
Recruitment and Advancement of Black
employees; and the Director of the Small
Business Programs at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

In 1996, Mr. Nelson received the exceptional “Civilian Service Award.” While under his leadership, the army exceeded all assigned goals in the Historical Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institution Program.

Born in Pulaski, TN, he attended Bridgeforth High School and Tennessee State University. He has been married to Ada Bonnie Coffey Nelson for 60 years and they have four sons, Fred, Diallo, Omar, and Gaylord.

To join or for more information about the African American Heritage Society of Maury County, visit our website at aahsocietymctn.org!