Gilbert D. Wildes

Gilbert D. Wildes, 77, of Valdosta went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was born on April 10, 1934 in Norman Park, Georgia to the late George Harmon and Mary Eldora Bragg Wildes.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Stephanie Wildes Summers and Jeff Summers, Andy and Terri Wildes all of Valdosta, Sharon Wildes Hildebrant and Loren Hildebrant of Gainesville, GA., grandchildren, Kelly Summers Berry and Scott Berry, Rob Summers, Blake Summers, Drew Wildes, David Wildes, Trey Hildebrant, Ben Hildebrant, Beth Hildebrant and Debra Hildrebrant, great grandchild, Wells Alyn Berry, his sisters, Lottie Wildes Smailes of Lakeland, Fla., Juanita Wildes Jones of Valdosta, brothers and sisters in law, Clinton and Mary Wildes of Fayetteville, Ark., James and Diane Wildes of Thomaston, GA., brother in law and sisters in law, Carl and Glendol Foster of McDonough, Brenda Wildes of Chatsworth, GA., "Aunt" Fran Ritchie of Valdosta and special friend, Harriett Crum of Hahira. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Foster Wildes and a brother, Wendell Wildes.

Mr. Wildes was the former owner of Wildes Vending and Food Service, Inc., Valdosta Tom's Sales and retired from Five Star Food Service. He was a talented entrepreneur, self-starter, risk-taker and hard worker. Mr. Wildes graduated with a degree in journalism from Mercer University. He served as chaplain assistant in the United States Army, was a member of the Gideons International, Valdosta Young Life and a long time member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Valdosta. He enjoyed serving his Lord and Savior Jesus through teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, witnessing through the FAITH program at church, giving out Bibles through the Gideons and in his later years traveling to the mission field in Africa, Venezuela and Paraguay with his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and loved to fish. Actually, he liked to take children fishing. He loved his family greatly and lived a life honoring his Lord Jesus. He never met a stranger and made friends quickly. Mr. Wildes Godly legacy will live on through his family and the many people whose lives he has touched.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Phil West, Rev. Mac Weaver and Rev. Loren Hildebrant officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5:30pm until 7:30pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Gideons International, Young Life or Helping Hands, 200 W. Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602