Celebrating the life of
Eric V. Gilbert
January 14, 1940 - December 19, 2007
Reflections of Life
Eric Vonzell Gilbert, of Savannah, Georgia took flight from this earthly life to his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 19, 2007. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 14, 1940, the third of seven children born to the union of the late Odis, Sr. and Catherine Gilbert. Eric accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age.
In 1959 he graduated from Crane Technical High School.. He joined the U.S. Air Force in September of 1959. Upon completion of his entrance test, he was given the choice of three career fields. Communications, Security and Administration. He selected Communications. His Technical training base was Lackland Air Force Base Texas. After completion of the nine week course his first duty assignment was Elmendorf Air Force base Alaska. He was dedicated to serving his country for thirty one years until his retirement at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his career he received numerous awards and recognitions. a man that always displayed warmth, love, and sincerity that ran deep through and through He was dedicated to his family community and country.
While assigned to Osan Air Base Korea. he met and fell head over heels in love with Dorothy Sharp Bey. She was a civilian working for the military. They started off very slow at first, but as time passed they first became pals and later lovers. Dorothy came into his life at a time when he needed her so very much…. She helped him learn to smile again. He loved her and After TWENTY ONE YEARS of marriage they were friends, lovers and life partners.
Eric leaves to cherish his memory: his lovely wife Dorothy, three loving sons, Eric Jr., Anthony of Chicago, Illinois and Milton Kareen Gilbert of Augusta, Georgia, one daughter Wendy Antonio McBride of Savannah Georgia, two sisters, Lenore Dallas Jones and Janet Atlee Warren-Smith of Chicago, Illinois, seven grandchildren, Antonio, Jr. , Ashley, Erica, Jordan, Bria, Aigner, and Moryce and three sister-in-laws Glenda Lang, Linda Ronald Hollis of Columbia, SC, Hattie Felix Cummings of Port Tobacco Maryland, three brother-in-laws Joseph Ingrid Deas, Kenneth Deas and Michael Knox of Columbia, SC and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Catherine Gilbert, two brothers, Odis Jr. and James Gilbert.
Dorothy, I am Sheila's friend in Knoxville, TN. She told me about your husband's passing. I send you my heartfelt condolences and share in your grief. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
- Renee Jernigan, Knoxville, TN
Dorothy, Sorry for your loss. You were great neighbors as well as great friends. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ashley, Beth, & Austin Church, corryton, TN
MISS DEE I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ERIC.I HAVE LOST A TRUE FRIEND, BUT I HAVE GAINED A FAMILY.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.I WILL ALWAYS MISS HIS VISITS AT MY HOUSE, AND THE TIMES WE SHARED A COOL ONE TOGETHER.THE ONE THING THAT I WILL MISS THE MOST IS THAT ERIC LOVED TO BORROW MY ELECTRIC WEEDEATER.ONE SAT. HE CAME OVER AND WANTED TO BORROW THE WEEDEATER, AND AS HE WAS LEAVING, I TOLD ERIC 'SINCE YOU LOVE THAT WEEDEATER SO MUCH, JUST KEEP IT. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF I CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU, JUST ASK. EUGENE AND DEE BRELAND
- EUGENE P BRELAND JR, SAVANNAH, GA
Dot,
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dot,
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dot, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you!
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dorothy, I am so sorry to have read of Eric's passing. As my family and I were out of town until today, please accept my most sincere apologies for not paying a visit to honor Eric this past Sunday. Eric was such a fine man and I feel blessed to have known him. Please know that my staff and I offer you our heartfelt sympathies, and will pray for your strength. Warmly,
- Seth K., Robin C. & Casey S., Savannah, GA
Dorothy We are so sorry to hear of Eric's passing, he will be missed by one and all. We will have the family in our prayers. Love Sheila n Alburn
- sheila church, knoxville, TN
Dot Those Memories of the Life that You shared will sustain you in the future. May God continue to Bless and Keep You. My Love, Prayers, and Sympathy are with You on this very Sad Occassion. Uncle Woodrow
- Woodrow Adams, Columbia, SC
I taught Erica in Kindergarten at White Bluff Elementary. While she was there,he was the grandpa extraordinary. He volunteered for all kinds of activities ,including a walking field trip to Oatland Island and it wasn't uncommon to see him with rubber gloves and an apron serving lunch if he heard they were short of help. I know I always got a hug when he came by and I wasn't the only one. A wonderful, loving individual who will be greatly missed by all. Ruth Smith
- Ruth Smith, Savannah, GA
You know how I feel about Eric. I will miss him at the pool, but for me he will always be in that same place. I will remember him with his arm around my shoulders walking into the pool and asking me all about medicare when he turned 65... We had a long conversation at Toyota the day before he went in the hospital. He was concerned about you worrying about him and asked me to be there for you when you needed to talk, that's another way I want to remember him. A real GENTLEMAN. And I will always have the 'coins' I love you both and my heart is full of sorrow. Suzy
- suzanne daniell, savannah, GA
Dorothy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I am so glad that just a few months ago I was able to see you and Eric. My thought at the time was that Eric was so happy with his life and his grandchildren. It was refreshing to see someone who was so content with their life. Again, thinking and praying for you and your family. Cindy Armstrong
- Cindy Armstrong, Evans, GA
You know our prayers are with your family Wendy and Dee. We were all blessed to have him in our lives and he will truly be missed.
- Sabrina and Seth Hallett, Savannah, GA
Mr. Gilbert was our TEAM GRANDPA and we will never forget him.
- Windsor Forest Knights Cheerleaders, Savannah, GA
Dot I am so sorry to hear about Eric. I will always remember his friendly smile. We had such fun at the pool, with you both. He will be greatly missed. He sure did put up a courageous fight. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, at this time. Love, Sandra
- Sandra Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I'm glad I believe in Heaven because I had just gotten to know and appreciate Eric down here. I look forward to seeing him again. We need more men like Eric! I pray that God will bless and comfort you, Dot, and family. Audrie Brabham
- Audrie Brabham, Savannah, GA
Dot: I was sadden to hear of Eric's passing. He was the nicest man--always ready to share a smile, say a kind word. He was willing to lend a hand, as he did for me in getting the class at Hunter started this year. I will miss his presence in class. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult period.
- Virginia Lamb, Bloomingdale, GA
Dorothy, I am Sheila's friend in Knoxville, TN. She told me about your husband's passing. I send you my heartfelt condolences and share in your grief. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
- Renee Jernigan, Knoxville, TN
Dorothy, Sorry for your loss. You were great neighbors as well as great friends. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ashley, Beth, & Austin Church, corryton, TN
MISS DEE I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ERIC.I HAVE LOST A TRUE FRIEND, BUT I HAVE GAINED A FAMILY.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY.I WILL ALWAYS MISS HIS VISITS AT MY HOUSE, AND THE TIMES WE SHARED A COOL ONE TOGETHER.THE ONE THING THAT I WILL MISS THE MOST IS THAT ERIC LOVED TO BORROW MY ELECTRIC WEEDEATER.ONE SAT. HE CAME OVER AND WANTED TO BORROW THE WEEDEATER, AND AS HE WAS LEAVING, I TOLD ERIC 'SINCE YOU LOVE THAT WEEDEATER SO MUCH, JUST KEEP IT. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF I CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU, JUST ASK. EUGENE AND DEE BRELAND
- EUGENE P BRELAND JR, SAVANNAH, GA
Dot,
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dot,
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dot, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you!
- Irene Michaels, Savannah, GA
Dorothy, I am so sorry to have read of Eric's passing. As my family and I were out of town until today, please accept my most sincere apologies for not paying a visit to honor Eric this past Sunday. Eric was such a fine man and I feel blessed to have known him. Please know that my staff and I offer you our heartfelt sympathies, and will pray for your strength. Warmly,
- Seth K., Robin C. & Casey S., Savannah, GA
Dorothy We are so sorry to hear of Eric's passing, he will be missed by one and all. We will have the family in our prayers. Love Sheila n Alburn
- sheila church, knoxville, TN
Dot Those Memories of the Life that You shared will sustain you in the future. May God continue to Bless and Keep You. My Love, Prayers, and Sympathy are with You on this very Sad Occassion. Uncle Woodrow
- Woodrow Adams, Columbia, SC
I taught Erica in Kindergarten at White Bluff Elementary. While she was there,he was the grandpa extraordinary. He volunteered for all kinds of activities ,including a walking field trip to Oatland Island and it wasn't uncommon to see him with rubber gloves and an apron serving lunch if he heard they were short of help. I know I always got a hug when he came by and I wasn't the only one. A wonderful, loving individual who will be greatly missed by all. Ruth Smith
- Ruth Smith, Savannah, GA
You know how I feel about Eric. I will miss him at the pool, but for me he will always be in that same place. I will remember him with his arm around my shoulders walking into the pool and asking me all about medicare when he turned 65... We had a long conversation at Toyota the day before he went in the hospital. He was concerned about you worrying about him and asked me to be there for you when you needed to talk, that's another way I want to remember him. A real GENTLEMAN. And I will always have the 'coins' I love you both and my heart is full of sorrow. Suzy
- suzanne daniell, savannah, GA
Dorothy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I am so glad that just a few months ago I was able to see you and Eric. My thought at the time was that Eric was so happy with his life and his grandchildren. It was refreshing to see someone who was so content with their life. Again, thinking and praying for you and your family. Cindy Armstrong
- Cindy Armstrong, Evans, GA
You know our prayers are with your family Wendy and Dee. We were all blessed to have him in our lives and he will truly be missed.
- Sabrina and Seth Hallett, Savannah, GA
Mr. Gilbert was our TEAM GRANDPA and we will never forget him.
- Windsor Forest Knights Cheerleaders, Savannah, GA
Dot I am so sorry to hear about Eric. I will always remember his friendly smile. We had such fun at the pool, with you both. He will be greatly missed. He sure did put up a courageous fight. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, at this time. Love, Sandra
- Sandra Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I'm glad I believe in Heaven because I had just gotten to know and appreciate Eric down here. I look forward to seeing him again. We need more men like Eric! I pray that God will bless and comfort you, Dot, and family. Audrie Brabham
- Audrie Brabham, Savannah, GA
Dot: I was sadden to hear of Eric's passing. He was the nicest man--always ready to share a smile, say a kind word. He was willing to lend a hand, as he did for me in getting the class at Hunter started this year. I will miss his presence in class. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult period.
- Virginia Lamb, Bloomingdale, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
