Raymond O Gilbert
October 19, 1936 – March 9, 2023
Ray Gilbert, devoted son, loving husband, dad, brother, uncle, coach, teacher, and loyal best friend, most affectionately known as “Coach,” went peacefully to his heavenly home on March 9, 2023, after a two-year struggle caused by a fall during the ice storm of February 2021.
Born in Childress County, Texas, October 19, 1936, and reared in Hollis, Oklahoma, Ray was number seven of nine children of Thomas Cawood (T.C.) and Edna Ruth Wortham Gilbert, and the “most inclined” for mischievousness. He loved people and had a life-long curiosity and adventurous spirit.
Ray loved the Lord, and was saved at an early age in the church where his father led choir. He grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and developed a work ethic which served him well throughout life.
In 1954, Ray attended Oklahoma City University and used his basketball skills to obtain a four-year scholarship. During the four years, OCU was rated in the top 10 and played in the NCAA Regional three consecutive years. Ray played against NBA stars, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jim Krebs. Ray was the strong, quiet, and uplifting part of a very successful OCU team. The team brotherhood continues to meet annually to update, encourage and emotionally strengthen each other. Ray completed his bachelor’s degree at OCU and finished his master’s degree in business from the University of Oregon.
In 1974, Ray married
Sue Gast of Warsaw, Indiana and became dad to Sue’s two young daughters, Brooke Young and Deidre Sanford.
Upon retirement in 2000, Ray and Sue retired from Northbrook, IL to Bella Vista to care for his brother Dr. Ed Gilbert and wife, Armelda. They became active members of the Bella Vista Welcome Club, Indiana Club, Illinois Club, and a golfing group which continued with Friday morning breakfast “meetings” even when the golfing ended.
After Sue’s passing in 2010, Ray met and married Ann Gray from Bella Vista. They enjoyed entertaining friends, dining out, traveling, and planting flowers each spring. He loved accompanying Ann on her business pursuits and became a constant, welcomed, traveling companion. Ray was a loving and caring husband.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, T.C. and Edna Wortham Gilbert, his first wife Sue, brothers; Cawood, Bill, Allen, and Ed, and sisters; Ruth, Joyce, and Mae. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Ann Gray-Gilbert of the home, daughters Deidre Sanford and Brooke Young, brother Lainial (wife Nelda) Altus, Okla. and sister-in-law Barbara Gilbert, Hollis, Okla., and many nieces, nephews, and “greats” whom he cherished, encouraged, and supported in all their endeavors.
A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at Mildred Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista on May 18, 2023. Visitation 10 a.m., service 10:30-11:30 a.m. A memorial luncheon will be provided in the home immediately after the service. Please RSVP for the luncheon by text 479-903-1203 or email RandAG1936@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Labre Indian School, PO Box 216, Ashland, Mont., 59003 or the St. Joseph Indian School, Chamberlain, SD. stjo.org. To sign online guest book please go to westfieldchapel.com.