| Graduation Year | Class of 1970 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 01, 2008 |
| About | Former Russellville resident Tommy Ray Gilbert, 56, died July 1, 2008, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, from complications due to an unknown bleeding disorder. Tommy was born March 13, 1952, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Ersalene Linton Moore and Reverend Thomas Vincent Gilbert. He graduated from Russellville High School in 1970 and later attended Arkansas Tech University. On June 18, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Mae Lois Nichols in Russellville, Arkansas. In 1971, Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy, and after 23 years, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Tommy's tour of duties included San Diego, (CA), Millington (TN), Subic Bay (Philippines), Okinawa (Japan), Kingsville (TX) and Atsugi (Japan). In his retirement, he returned to Atsugi, Japan, where he was employed as a Procurement Specialist with the U.S. Navy. In Atsugi, Tommy was actively involved in both Sagimihara Inspirational Worship Service and Sagimihara Christian Fellowship. He was a deacon and the head usher at both churches and was also actively involved in various church ministries. Tommy was a source of strength to his family, to his churches and to the many who knew him. He will be remembered for his love of God, love of his family, his love of golf, and his sense of humor. He is predeceased by his mother, Ersalene Moore; his father, Thomas V. Gilbert; brother, Steve Gilbert; brother, Kenneth Gilbert and baby brother, Larry Linton. Tommy is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mae Lois Gilbert of Atsugi, Japan; daughter, Felicia Gilbert Terry of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Tammy Gilbert Cardona and son-in-law, César Y. Cardona, M.D. of Nashville, TN; brother, Michael Stewart of Russellville; brother, Reverend Jerry Linton of Russellville; sister, Bonita Stewart of Russellville; sister, Darlene Stewart of Dardanelle; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, July 11, 2008, at Shinn Funeral Service from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, 321 South Houston Place, Russellville, AR 72801. The burial will take place at Reed Cemetery by Shinn Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Tommy Ray Gilbert to Tripler Fisher House, 317 Krukowski Rd., Honolulu, HI 96819. |
