John Neely Gilbert Jr. died at home on August 24, 2024, following a period of declining health, after living a long, loving and purposeful life. He was 87.
He was born on September 12, 1936, in Statesville, North Carolina, the son of the late John Neely Gilbert Sr. and Sara Pressly Gilbert. After attending Statesville City Schools, he attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. John graduated with honors from Princeton University with a degree in civil engineering. He was then commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and then assigned to the 92nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg.
In 1959, he returned to Statesville to work for Gilbert Engineering Company, the company his father had founded in 1926. In 1961, he married Harriet Erwin Sloop, with whom he shared a devoted marriage for 63 years. After his father’s death, he became president of Gilbert Engineering in 1966.
In 1966, John joined the Davis Hospital Board of Trustees, serving as its Chairman in 1975. He also served as a trustee of Northwestern, First Union, and Wachovia banks. He served as a director of The Pines senior living facility in Davidson for 12 years. For many years, he served as an arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association.
John was born into a distinctive heritage of Scots-Irish Presbyterianism. He was grateful for that heritage and strove to live it worthily by living a life of faith. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, was deeply involved and highly respected. He served repeatedly as a deacon and elder and was sessional secretary for several terms. He was highly respected for his leadership, especially in the areas of administration, finance, and property.
John was always diligent and took great pleasure in the projects of Gilbert Engineering Company, a general contractor primarily engaged in the construction of water and sewer facilities for municipal property owners. Since most of this work is done underground, it is hidden from public view. That he was in such a field is fitting, for John always worked quietly behind the scenes, never drawing attention to himself or seeking praise. John always appreciated a challenge and worked tirelessly and uncomplainingly to succeed. He was focused and determined. He took satisfaction when difficult work was done well.
He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. The greatest joy in John’s life was his family. He and Harriet were a devoted team who tirelessly supported each other and those they loved. He gave his best to his wife, children and grandchildren and quietly encouraged them to be the best they could be.
He was a gentle and kind man, a very tall man with a soft but strong voice. His family will always be grateful for the good example he set for them: integrity, ethics, decency, courtesy, duty, modesty and love.
John is survived by his wife, Harriet Sloop Gilbert, daughter, Louise Gilbert Freeman (George), 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 on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The family will gather with friends in the church hall following the service. A private memorial service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the 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.
