James Ulys Gilbert

Rev. James Ulys Gilbert, 80, of Marianna died Thursday, May 1, 2008 at The University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham. James and his twin brother John were born on September 5, 1927 in Panama City, Fl where they lived with their family until age 10. Then they moved to the family farm on the Kynesville Highway in Marianna. He proudly served his country by joining the United State Merchant Marines in 1944. He then joined the US Army, serving twice in Korea. He became a minister in 1950 and was ordained with the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 1952. He served as pastor of many churches in Northwest Florida and South Alabama also serving as Sectional Presbyter with the West Florida District of the Assemblies of God for many years. He served as president of both the Jackson County and Taylor County Ministerial Associations in Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ulys and Jesse Burke Gilbert. Survivors include his wife, Opal Clark Gilbert; two sons, Noland Gilbert and wife Suzi of Millbrook, Al., Blaine Gilbert and wife Mindy of Cantonment, Fl; one daughter, Linda Neel and husband, Bill of Grand Ridge; one brother, David Gilbert of Las Vegas, NV.; one sister, Alice Barfield of West Palm Beach; four grandchildren, Chris Lee & wife Lynda, Jonathan Gilbert & wife Julie, Whitney Gilbert, Brittany Gilbert; two Great Grandchildren, Chasidy Lee and Justin Lee. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at First Assembly of God Church in Marianna with Revs. Clinton Hobbs and Stephen Potter officiating. Burial will follow in Damascus Cemetery in Marianna with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Saturday at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Childrens Home, 2325 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com