Dennis Leo Gilbert

SSG Dennis Leo Gilbert, the sixth son of Nellie Lyles Gilbert and Morris Gilbert Sr., was born July 26, 1960 in Randolph County, Georgia. SSG Gilbert was called “Chip” by most who knew him and by all who loved him. Chip accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Salem A.M.E. Church in Benevolence, Georgia where he served as an usher. He was a 1979 graduate of the Randolph County Comprehensive High School in Cuthbert, GA where he played varsity football and Y-club basketball. He was a very active member of the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Club where he was known as “one of Fess’ boys” (a title that he cherished deeply). He attended all of the FFA activities with the club’s advisor Mr. Calvin Presley, a man he truly admired and spoke of often. After graduating from high school, Chip began working at the Day Company in Cuthbert GA which later became Columbia Forest Products as a forklift driver. He worked there until the plant closed amassing over 20 years of service to the plant. He also worked briefly for the Randolph County Road Department, Andrew College, and Randolph-Clay High School. Chip joined the Alabama National Guard in 1981 where he served his country dutifully for over 35 years. He received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Some of the countries Chip traveled to while proudly serving his country in his uniform was Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, and Germany. He served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle to mention a few. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia from January 10, 1990 to June 5, 1991 and to Iraq from February 10, 2003 to February 9, 2004. He and his friends, Royzell Wilson, Freddie Hope, Leon Wilson, the late Harrison Porter, and the late Larry Holmes became known in the Alabama National Guard as the “Georgia Boys.” There they developed a life-long love and friendship for each other and each other’s families that has endured since 1983. Chip was always ready and eager to serve his country wherever he was needed. Chip was assigned to the 1128 Transportation Company from January 1982 – October 2005, the 1670th Transportation Company from October 2005 – to present, and the 731st Combat Sustainment Battalion from June 2011 – September 2012. He was currently employed with FMS 25 in Brundage, Alabama. SSG Gilbert was united in Holy Matrimony to Janis Theresa Howard Smith on November 2, 1989. This union was blessed with five children. Chip was a member of the Just Chillin’ Gentlemen Club. He loved to fish, meet new people, engage in conversation, tell colorful stories, and ride around in his truck to find new routes to anywhere he traveled. He was a kind-hearted man who would readily help anyone in need. He loved being in the National Guard and serving his country. On Saturday June 3, 2017, the angel of death quietly entered Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula, AL and carried him to his reward. In the midst of our sorrow, we pause and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the 56 wonderful years we shared on Earth with him, and we rejoice in knowing that God is too wise to make a mistake. He was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Nellie Gilbert and his grandson, Da’Merius Gudes. Chip leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife of 27 years Janis Gilbert of Cuthbert GA; sons, Dexter (Shanita) Gudes of Georgetown GA, Harvey Dennis (Shanequa) Smith of Cuthbert GA; daughters, Helaine Gudes of Cuthbert GA, Margaret Blount of Atlanta GA, and his “Punkin” Jasmine Denise Gilbert of Cuthbert GA; god-son, Phillip (Ashley) Howard of Mableton, GA; nine brothers, William Gilbert of Macon GA, Joseph Gilbert of St. Petersburg FL, Morris Gilbert, Fred Gilbert, Welton Gilbert all of Elizabeth NJ, Felton (Beverly) Gilbert of Somerset NJ, Jessie (Janace) Gilbert, Charlie W. (Cynthia) Gilbert and Robert Gilbert all of Cuthbert GA; three sisters, Marjorie (Charles) Slaughter of Albany GA, Christine Gilbert and Mae F. Gilbert both of Cuthbert GA; 14 grandchildren, De’Kiyah, De’Querius, DeKelan, Ja’Darrin, Donquavious, Zariyah, Jaishun, Jy’Quan, Jenise, Ayden, Sean, London, Semaj, and Dakyli; god-granddaughter Taylor; brother-in law, Eddie C. (Annie) Howard of Cuthbert GA; sister-in law, Linda B. Howard of Albany GA; two uncles, Willie Lyles of Roselle NJ and Fady Clark of Cuthbert GA; three aunts, Thelma Lyles of Roselle NJ, Lillie Lyles of Rahway NJ, and Ann Beckworth of Winter Haven FL, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, the 1670th Transportation Company, and the entire Alabama National Guard.