I’m a busy guy. Not “wear my Bluetooth headset in the grocery store” busy, but busy nonetheless. I’m working on “important things” like “philanthropy” or “finance” or “fitness.” There are days when I am on my way to Club Dub and the parking lot is a bit full. Sometimes on those days, I see the security officer chatting with a Ydub member and I wonder if it is not clear that I am an “important guy” who is “busy” and “needs to go work out.” I forget that in addition to just doing his job, the security officer is part of the reason why I think the Ydub is such a great place. It is a place that knows people. The center’s blog tells a story of their security officer, Charlton Owens, who once raced in front of a vehicle to protect a toddler who had gotten away from his parents.
It’s heartbreaking, then, to find out that Charlton Owens’ own son was struck and killed on Interstate 240 last Wednesday, June 16. The accidental death of Anthony Ray Gilmore has been widely reported and most of the coverage has focused on the closed pedestrian bridge over the interstate. It’s also worth noting that Gilmore had chosen to walk to the Hillcrest Apartments from the downtown Transit Center because he believed the wait for a bus would be too long. My point, really, is not to implicate policy makers in this tragedy, because no one would choose for a father’s son to be killed on the week before Fathers’ Day.
My point is to remind us all that community discussions do involve very real consequences for people we know. These are people who do significant things for our collective life. Sometimes, they are people who need our help. Charlton Owens needs our thoughts, our prayers, and our help. Funerals are expensive. The Citizen-Times listed Hart Funeral Services as handling the arrangements, and I am sure that the excellent people there will work with Charlton in a dignified and respectful way. They can’t go broke doing it though, and according to the 211 database there are not currently any programs in our area that offer burial assistance. If you have ever been to the YWCA, if you have ever had your day brightened by Charlton Owens (as I have despite myself), please consider giving a little bit to help. I bet that if you call 828-254-7206 and tell them what you want to do, they will make it easy for you.
UPDATE: There is an envelope at the YW front desk to collect contributions. The Y staff can also get cards to the Gilmore / Owens family.
Thank you so much for posting this.
Charlton is a treasured member of our community, and we are all devastated by this tragedy. You are correct in saying that the YWCA/Club W is about people. We strive for beloved community. Thank you for being a part of this community.
My prayers are definitely with Charlton, the family, and the community at the YW. Our city is a better place because y’all are here.
Has anyone posted a photo of Anthony Ray Gilmore? I have not seen an obituary in the newspaper. I just think I may have known him (but I didn’t know him well). I would like to see a photo.
I have not seen one posted. With the family’s permission, I would be happy to post one here.