Charles Edison Gilbert Jr.

On May 30th, 2023, Charles Edison Gilbert, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior and joined his loved ones in heaven that had gone before him. Charles, known to those who loved him, as Chuck or Buster, was born July 28,1939 in Charlotte, NC. He grew up in a loving family with 5 siblings and attended Boyden High School and Rowan Technical Institute. He retired from W. S. Tyler, Inc., having previously worked for NASCAR, Pike Electric and Sunbeam Bakery. After retirement, he worked at Goodnight’s Service and enjoyed conversations with the regulars that came by for their daily visits to solve the world’s problems. He had a passion for airplanes and fly-ins and had thousands of pictures of vintage airplanes. One of his favorite possessions was an autographed picture of him with Chuck Yeager. Charles was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and a past member of the Salisbury Lions Club. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Patricia Loftin Gilbert. He is also survived by his son, Charles Edison Gilbert, III(Sandy), of Waxhaw, NC, his stepson, Donald Neal Clendenin, of China Grove, NC, stepdaughter, Karen Clendenin Patterson, of Cornelius, NC and his sister, Charlene Belanger (Andy) of Polk City, FL. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Charles “Cass” Edison Gilbert, IV(Casey), Heather Gilbert Fitzgerald, Austin Kelly Clendenin(Erica), Regan Michelle Patterson and Morgan Rebecca Patterson. Great-grandchildren include Cameron, Bentley, and Alex Fitzgerald, Colten Gilbert, Ryker and Gwendolyn Clendenin. Charles is also survived by his brother-in-law, Gerald Wayne Loftin(Sandra) of Newton Conover, NC and sister-in-law, Terry Guffy Gilbert. Many loved nieces and nephews were a source of great joy. Extended family to Charles include Elizabeth “Beth” Laverty(Jim) of Cary, NC, (Children Brent, Sarah, and Erin), Charles Blankenbeckler(Shannon) of Wilmington, NC (Children Jordan, Grant and Carson) and Keith Blankenbeckler of Wilmington, NC (Children Thomas and Peyton) Great-grandchildren, Nora, Emersyn, Claire, Addison, Anna and Logan. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edison Gilbert, Sr. and Florence Elizabeth Hammock Gilbert, siblings, Elizabeth “Libby” Land(Fred), Johnny Gilbert(Jean), Patricia “Pat” Loflin(Don), Robert “Bobby” Gilbert(Terry). Chuck loved his family, friends and working on a P51 Mustang with his best friend Butch Cauble. He loved to tease and laugh with the children and his great grandchildren brought a sparkle to his eyes. A celebration of life will be held on June 25th at 2:00pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. Visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church Missions. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Gilbert family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneral.com.

Charles Edison Gilbert Jr.

July 28, 1939 - May 30, 2023