James "Larry" Gilbert

Mr. James “Larry” Gilbert (85) of Winston-Salem passed away on October 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was the only child of his parents, Walter and Lelia Gilbert. He was born on June 15, 1937. Larry graduated from Morehead High School in Eden, NC in 1955. Upon graduation, he immediately headed to Elon College. After a year at Elon, he decided to leave college to serve his country by enlisting in the US Army. He served in active duty for two years primarily in Germany. His service continued for two more years in the Army Reserves. Larry married the love of his life, Brenda Warren, on August 8, 1959. They began their married life in Winston-Salem, NC. At that time, Mr. Gilbert began his employment with Salem Steel. While at Salem Steel, he attended Forsyth Technical Community College, completing his Associate Degree in Architectural Design. Upon graduation, Mr. Gilbert was offered and accepted a position with The Brenner Company. He went on to retire from the company and after retirement performed contract work with Contract Steel. For many years, Mr. Gilbert was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church. He was honored to use his expertise and serve on the Church’s Building Committee to help build the current church that is known as Salem Lutheran. He took pride in being able to serve his Lord through this service. Mr. Gilbert was an intelligent, talented, loving and kind man. He enjoyed golf throughout his life. He also was a sports fan of the Carolina Tarheels for many years, but Brenda swears she almost converted him to a Duke fan. Mr. Gilbert is preceded in death by his mother and father, his beloved grandmother, great granddaughter Lucille Amy and numerous aunts and uncles. His deepest loss was his two daughters, Luanne Gilbert and Amy Gilbert Hartman. Larry would assure you that his greatest purpose and joy in his life was being a good father and raising his beloved daughters to adulthood. Later, he was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all of them. Mr. Gilbert is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda, of sixty-three years, with whom they shared a lifetime of great joy, tragedy, and blessings throughout their marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Erica Gilbert Hull (husband Phil, One son and five daughters) of Peoria, IL, granddaughter Brooke Hartman Deaton (husband William and two sons and a daughter) of Rocky Mount NC, grandson Stephen Hartman (Kristin and son) of Huntersville, NC, granddaughter Liz Hartman Overcash (husband Cory and daughter) of Salisbury, NC and son in law, Ken Hartman of Salisbury, NC. The family will receive friends from 2-3p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Dawn Rister officiating. Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, General Fund, 5080 Sherrills Ford Road, Salisbury, NC 28147 or Trellis Supportive Care Rowan, 301 S. Main Street, Suite 105, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Gilbert family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

James "Larry" Gilbert

June 15, 1937 - October 10, 2022