Harold Gale Gilbert Sr., age 94, passed peacefully from this life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Brian Center in Low Moor, Virginia.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Gale, as he was called by his family, was born and raised in the Dryden community of Lee County, Virginia, the youngest child of the late Earvin Riley Gilbert and Emmer Hughs Gilbert.
He was predeceased by brothers, Tom, Willard (Bill) and Charles.
He served in the United States Army in Europe during World War II and was in the "Battle of the Bulge".
Harold, as he was called by colleagues, had a long career with Western Auto Supply Company as manager of stores in Louisville, KY and Chattanooga, TN, before transferring to Roanoke, VA for a wholesale representative position with the company, where he covered a large territory in several counties.
Harold Gale was a Christian, having accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior many years ago. While living in Roanoke he was a member of Colonial Avenue Baptist Church and during the last few years was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church.
While still working and living in Roanoke, Gale and wife, Phyllis fulfilled their dream of building a vacation house at the Bess family homeplace, where they have permanently resided for the last 15 years. There he enjoyed gardening, working on the property with his tractor, and taking children in the family on truck rides. He also enjoyed music, especially gospel and bluegrass, traveling and decorating for Christmas.
Throughout his life, even at the end, he was a people person, who never met a stranger, was friendly to everyone, interested in everyone and loved kidding around.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Phyllis (Bess) Gilbert; daughter, Linda and husband, Bill Litton of Covington; son, Harold G. Gilbert Jr. and wife, Linda of Roanoke. He was "Papaw" to his five adored grandchildren, their spouses and 8 great grandchildren. They are: Susan L. and husband, David Haslet of Forest, VA; Katherine L. and husband, Michael Lane of Glade Spring, VA; Jennifer L. and husband, Iain Waugh of Bedford, VA; Crystal G. and husband, Matt Thomann of Charlotte, NC; Matthew Gilbert and wife, Georgia of Charlotte, NC; great grandchildren: Will Haslet, Helen Haslet, Olivia Lane, Ben Lane, Nathan Waugh, Lillian Thomann, William Thomann, Cooper Gale Gilbert.
He is further survived by brother-in-law, Dale Bess and wife, Lynn of Hampton, VA; several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019 in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Earwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 will conduct military rites.
Interment will be private.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all at the Brian Center who gave such loving and compassionate care to our loved one.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Gilbert's name may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Att: office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Fl 33607.
