Chris Gilbert

Mr. Chris Gilbert, age 73, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, died Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Franklin, Tennessee.

Chris was born in Marshall County and was a son of the late James Edward and Donna Marie Stoskopf Gilbert.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Carl Gilbert, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

He was a pharmacist and owner of H & S Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. He was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church in Chapel Hill and very involved in civic activities in Chapel Hill and Marshall County, including serving as the chairman of the Marshall County 911 Board, a member of the Chapel Hill Industrial Board, chairman of the Board of Directors of Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill, and many other local organizations.

Chris was a member of the Chapel Hill Lions Club where he had 48 years of perfect attendance.  He was also a Melvin Jones Fellow Award recipient, the highest honor that can be awarded to a Lions Club member.  His true love was the “Superpull of the South Truck and Tractor Pull” sponsored by the Chapel Hill Lions Club.  Chris was instrumental in the Lions Club starting this event and served as the chairman of the tractor pull committee and the event announcer for the 44 years of its existence.

He also was a major supporter of the schools in Chapel Hill and helped them in many ways.  Chris was known as the “Voice of the Forrest Rockets” as he and his “Crew” traveled all over the state broadcasting football, basketball, baseball and women’s softball game for Forrest High School for many years.

Because of his love and dedication to the Chapel Hill Community and Marshall County, Chris was named as the Chapel Hill Citizen of the year and in 2020, named Marshall County Citizen of the year.

Chris had many achievements in his life but none were for the notoriety. They were done for the love of his community and his willingness to help his fellow man. He shared the same love and support for his family and friends. He had a heart of gold and a sense of humor to match. He loved to cut up and put a smile on everyone's face. To the many lives that he touched,  just know that he loved each and every one of you the same. He was forever grateful for his customers whom he served for many years. There's nothing he wouldn't do to help his family, friends and community. He will be forever missed.

Chris is survived by his children, Tracey Gilbert (Howard) Dallow, Port Washington, NY, Jonathan Gilbert, Chapel Hill, TN;  partner – in – life, Jean Chrisman, Chapel Hill, TN;  grandchildren, October Gilbert, Ravynn Reyes, Joseph Reyes; cousin, Jimmy Gilbert, TX; nephews, David Crane, Pulaski, TN and Michael Crane, Lawrenceburg, TN; grand dog, Ethan Gilbert Dallow.

Due to the present health crisis, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.  A private family service was held on Monday, January 11, 2021 with Rev. Larry Chatman officiating.  Burial followed in Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill.   A public Celebration of the life of Chris will be held at a later date with time and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Johnny Sheffield – Carl Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Chapel Hill Lions Club, P. O. Box 264, Chapel Hill, TN  37034, or Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown, New York, 371 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY  11787 or www.guidedog.org.

“Christopher Dean Gilbert, gone but never forgotten”