Larry Gilbert

Mr. Larry Wayne Gilbert, age 76 of Woodbine, Ga., passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick, Ga.

Mr. Gilbert was born on December 20th, 1946 in Warrior, Al. to the late William and Ginny Gilbert.

Larry grew up in Warrior, Alabama where he attended high school. He found the love of his life, Esther Reid on a blind date from a rival high school in Hayden, Alabama. They were high school “sweet hearts”. They got married when they were 16 years old and were married for 59 years. They saw many places together as he joined the military at 17 years old.

Larry completed 23 and a half years in the United States Air Force where he retired as Master Sargent E-7 in Valdosta Georgia. After retirement, he completed over a decade as a supervisor and assistant plant manager of Bayliner Marine in Valdosta Ga. Following his tenure at Bayliner he then finished his career as “production manager” at Bath Craft, “plumbing sales manager” at Lowes, and “transportation supervisor” at Hood Packaging in Valdosta Ga.

Larry’s hobbies included golfing, bowling, boating, fishing, exploring the new technology in computers, watching Alabama football (Roll Tide Roll), and most of all taking his loved ones to Disney World to enjoy the magic and create great memories together, just like he had first experienced at Disneyland back in 1972 on his first visit to a Disney park.

Larry was a man that followed his convictions but also had a gentle spirit and a “heart of gold”. He always wanted to make sure that everyone around him was taking care of, to the best he could provide in whatever situation. Larry loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and enjoyed listening to good preaching and great worship music ranging from old hymns, southern gospel, to modern-day worship music.

He was even more moved when he had the opportunity to listen to his great-granddaughter’s sing and dance rather than being in the living room or on a theatrical stage. He loved being awakened by one of his great granddaughters on a regular basis as she would then enjoy a morning ride with her “pawpaw” in his chair. After his stroke in 2019 a couple of his great-granddaughters loved to act as “pawpaw’s”, fill-in nurse giving him his daily medicine and making sure he was well taken care of, just like he did for all his family.

Larry had a stroke in 2019 that left his left side paralyzed. He fought through the pain to try and rehab as much as possible but had many complications due to the stroke. In his final battle, he contracted pneumonia and ultimately could not beat this with all the other things stacked on top of the pneumonia. Through it all his spirit was that of a fighter that wanted to get better to be with his family but went home to be with the Lord peacefully on July 1st. We love you “pawpaw”. Rest in peace with no more pain and suffering.

Mr. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Esther Gilbert of Woodbine, Ga.; his sons, Gerald (Paula) Gilbert of Cullman, Al. and Darrell (Lori) Gilbert of Woodbine, Ga.; his grandchildren, Dustin Gilbert of Valdosta, Ga., Logan (Brandon) Stockwell of Guyton, Ga., and Loren Gilbert of Woodbine, Ga.; his great-grandchildren, Jayden, Brielle, Austin, Ellis, Kenzie, Merryn, and Baby Gilbert; his nieces and nephews; and his special visiting angel, Gina Martin.

Memorial Services will be held privately by the family.