Kiwanis

for business on the square in LaFayette with C.C. Gilbert as the bank’s cashier. In January 1932 The Bank of LaFayette and Walker County Bank merged, retaining the name of the older Bank of LaFayette. C.C. Gilbert served as executive vice president then was elected president in 1939 and held that position until his death in 1953. He was followed as bank president by his sons Bob D. Gilbert and Charles M. Gilbert. C.C.’s grandson, Dave Gilbert, is chairman of the board and CEO of the bank today. Another grandson, Henry Gilbert, is president of the bank.

The family’s community and civic support also has a long and distinguished legacy having supported over eighty local, state and national charities that promote health, education, economic development, aid to women, children and seniors, scholarships, safety, local libraries, Boy Scouts and the YMCA. Of particular note is the LaFayette Empty Stocking Fund which Ethel Gilbert helped to establish and the family has selected it as their charity to receive half of the silent auction proceeds from the luncheon.

Kiwanis Club member Chris McKeever met with Dave and Henry Gilbert to learn more about the family’s history. “When I met with Dave and Henry about the family’s philanthropy, there was so much family history and how the extended Gilbert family had positively impacted not just LaFayette and Walker County but also the development of Fort Oglethorpe after the Army Post closed. I had a hard time keeping up with all they had to say.”