John Neely Gilbert Jr. died on August 24, 2024, at home after a period of declining health, having lived a long, loving, and purposeful life. He was 87.
Born in Statesville, N.C., on September 12, 1936, he was the son of the late John Neely Gilbert Sr. and Sara Pressly Gilbert. After attending Statesville City Schools, he went to The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. John graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in civil engineering. He was then commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, Va., and then the 92nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg.
In 1959, he returned home to Statesville to work at Gilbert Engineering Company, the firm founded by his father in 1926. In 1961, he married Harriet Erwin Sloop, with whom he would enjoy 63 devoted years of marriage. He became president of Gilbert Engineering in 1966, following the death of his father.
In 1966, John became a member of the Board of Trustees for Davis Hospital, a board he then chaired in 1975. He was also a Trustee for Northwestern, First Union, and Wachovia banks. For 12 years, he was a director for The Pines retirement community in Davidson. For many years he served as both an arbitrator and a mediator for the American Arbitration Association.
John was born into a distinctive heritage of Scotch Irish Presbyterianism. He was grateful for this heritage and strove to be worthy of it by living the faith. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, widely involved and highly valued. Serving repeatedly as a deacon and an elder, he was Clerk of the Session for multiple terms. He was widely respected for this leadership, particularly in areas of administration, finance, and property.
Always conscientious, John took great satisfaction in the projects completed by Gilbert Engineering Company, a general contractor engaged primarily in the construction of water and wastewater facilities for municipal owners. Because most of this work is below ground, it is hidden from public view. That he was in such a line of work is fitting/telling because John was always one to work quietly behind the scenes, never drawing attention to himself or seeking praise. John always valued a challenge, would work tirelessly and uncomplainingly to achieve success. He was focused and resolute. He took satisfaction in difficult work done well.
He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. The great joy of John’s life was his family. He and Harriet were a devoted team, unfailingly supportive of each other and of those they loved. He gave his very best to his wife, children, and grandchildren, quietly encouraging them to be their best selves.
He was a gentle and gracious presence, a very tall man with a soft but sturdy voice. His family will always be grateful for the fine example he lived for them, one of integrity, ethics, civility, courtesy, duty, humility, and love.
John is survived by his wife, Harriet Sloop Gilbert; his daughter, Louise Gilbert Freeman (George); his son, John Neely Gilbert III (Anna); five grandchildren, Sara Pressly Freeman, Katherine Freeman Early (Josh), George Clemon Freeman IV, John Neely Gilbert IV, and Anna Emeline Gilbert; and one great grandson, Joseph Howard Early V. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. Paul Pressly Gilbert; and three brothers-in-law, Howard Herbert Browne, John Erwin Sloop, and Richard Knox Sloop (Sherrie). He was predeceased by his sister, Frances Gilbert Browne.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends following the service in the Church Parlor. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, 125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC 28677 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.