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Houston auto giant Ramsay Gillman died of natural causes at his home Friday. He was 67. Gillman was chairman of Gillman Companies, one of the largest private automobile dealerships in the country with more than a dozen dealerships in Texas. “My father was an industry leader,” said Stacey Gillman Wimbish, 44. “He loved to get involved and was not afraid to take the time necessary to affect change.” The native Houstonian and sixth-generation Texan began his automotive career in downtown, where he worked in the parts department of his father’s Pontiac dealership. He then attended the General Motors Dealer Management Institute and other specialized schools, becoming an authorized automobile dealer in 1967. “Dad’s proudest moments were seeing his family business grow and having his kids work closely with him,” Wimbish said. “He loved to work hard and play hard, too. He loved playing with his grandchildren, and planning their next adventure was half the fun. Whether it was working or playing, all that was an excuse to meet more people, make friends and share stories.” Gillman enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, sharing stories and telling jokes. “My father was full of life,” Wimbish said. “He lived each moment to the fullest and over the top. He had a story or a joke for every occasion.” Gillman supported charitable organizations including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Youth Scholarship Program, the Fort Bend County Women’s Center, the Ronald McDonald House, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Sickle Cell Association. He was the recipient of the 1996 Sports Illustrated All-Star Dealer Award and was recognized for his philanthropy by the Texas House of Representatives in 1997. He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Automotive Legends Award by the Texas Automobile Dealers Association in 2009. “He will be sorely missed by the Gillman companies’ employees and friends and family,” his son Jason Gillman said. Wimbish is currently serving as president of the company that she and her two brothers own. “His principles of honesty, integrity and customer service will lead us and inspire us in the future,” she said. “He has prepared us, and we are ready.” Gillman served in a number of prominent posts over the years, including president of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association and vice president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. He was appointed vice chairman of the Texas Motor Vehicle Commission from 1984 through 1987 by Mark White, then governor of Texas. He was also appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as a board member of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles until February 2013. He is survived by Stevie Gillman, his wife of 35 years, their three children and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. © http://www.golfonline.jp/ . All Rights Reserved. (???????) GolfOnline???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??? mp69 ??????,??? mp59 ??????????
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