John Howard Gilbert

John Howard Gilbert, 89, of Valdosta, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on January 10, 1930 in Pottstown, PA, to the late John Rotz Gilbert and Elsie Fox Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served during the Korean War where he was awarded both Silver and Bronze Stars. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati. He was the Vice President of Operations of King Kwik Stores. He loved fishing and was an avid fan of all sports especially football and baseball. Mr. Gilbert was a long time active member of Northside Baptist Church, where served as lead usher. He loved animals, especially his dog Abby.
Mr. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Avis LeJean Gilbert; his children and their spouses, Karen and Mark Ferguson, Doug and Tracy Gilbert, and Wendy and Jerry Davis, all of Valdosta; his grandchildren and their spouses, Lindsey and Rick Ross, Liz and Brad Ross, both of Atlanta, GA, Zac Gilbert, Tyler and Brianna Gilbert, of Valdosta, Brandon and Alex Gilbert, of Atlanta, Nick Kaczmarowski, Jake Davis, and Natalie Davis, all of Valdosta; two great grandchildren, Drew Ross, of Atlanta, and Blakely Gilbert, of Valdosta. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for Mr. Gilbert will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. Gary Woods officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2310 Parklake Drive, Suite 375, Atlanta, GA, 30345, or the Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch, 5671 Georgia Hwy 122 E, Hahira, GA, 31632. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.