Gerald E “ Jerry” Gilbert, 71, passed away on July 31, 2023, at 4:44 pm, the same time of day his eldest son Nick was born nearly 40 years earlier. A moment later, his youngest granddaughter – asleep in the other room – began to cry.

Jerry was born in Nashville, TN, at Vanderbilt Hospital on June 18, 1952 to the late William Edwin “Ed” Gilbert and Wanda Evelyn Gilbert. Just over two decades later he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in English and a pile of a debt. Though the degree did not aid him in paying off the debt it did leave him forever armed to tell you that you meant to say “you and I” not “you and me”.

He went on to a long and successful career in sales (which DID help with the debt), but far more important to him was his longer and more deeply successful marriage of 46 years to Kathy McGrew Gilbert and the family and life they were able to build together. Kathy survives him along with their two sons – Nick and Beau – their three granddaughters through Nick – Rio, Rue, and Ren, as well as their mother, Ashton Gilbert – their two granddaughters through Beau – Lorraine, and Sylvia – and their bonus grandson Elliott, along with his son’s significant others – Meagan and Jesse – whom he loved as his own children.

He is survived as well by his sister Beverly Lampley, her daughter J Leigh Lampley, and a host of loving friends – past and present – who are too many to name but were never forgotten. He leaves these loved ones behind to be again in Heaven with his parents, his beloved parents-in-law, his grandfather Charles Roland “Big Wobby” Gilbert Sr, his Uncle Charles Roland Gilbert Jr, and his lifelong best friend Nicholas “Nick” Jiran.

To all of these people he was known to be a loving Christian; an impeccable husband, father, and grandfather; a master woodworker; a helpful handyman; a voracious reader; an impressive cook; and a respectful friend who was always quick with a joke (whether or not it was funny). To his family alone he was Wobby – his most cherished role of all – and they will forever remember the constant refrain whenever anything is broken:

“It’s okay. Wobby fix.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Temple Baptist Church, 110 Fellowship Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service.