The Shadow
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: 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 5 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 PM Saturday,in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Earwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 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 Contribution in Mr. Gilbert name can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children Att: office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, Fl 33607.
Online condolence can be made to arrittfuneralhome.
