Billy Dean Gilbert Sr. 83, went peacefully to God on August 2, 2018. He was born on April 4, 1935 in Jonesboro, AR to Perry Elvis and Janie (Payton) Gilbert. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and favorite fishing buddy to his sons. He was also a beloved companion to his dog Trixie that he loved so much. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country faithfully. He was proud of his time in the military and his children loved listening to his stories about his time in the military. He was one of the hardest working men we've ever known and never let age slow him down making the rest of us look bad. He loved saving animals and spending time in the garden where he could get anything to grow. He never met a stranger and would sit and talk and listen to anyone that wanted to talk. He never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need and down on their luck. His biggest passion was his loving wife Rebecca "Sue" to whom he had been proudly married to for 57 years. He always put her on a pedestal and made sure her needs were taken care of before his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Cindy Gilbert, a brother Floyd Gilbert and a sister, Betty Lovely.

Funeral services will be 1:00PM, Thursday at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home with burial with honors to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca Gilbert of the home; three sons, Billy Gilbert and his wife Linda of Greenwood, AR. Timothy Gilbert and his wife Tina and Bobby Gilbert and his wife Yvette all of Hot Springs, AR; three daughters, Brenda Gilbert of Hot Springs, Linda Curtis and her husband Gary of Royal, AR and Rebecca Martinez and her husband Victor of Hot Springs, AR; a brother, Gary Gilbert of Jonesboro, AR and two sisters, Janie Bryant of Hobart, IN and Pat Grissom of Lake Station, IN; 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Victor Martinez, Brian Curtis, Billy Ray, Timothy, Anthony and Austin Gilbert.
Honorary pallbearers are his sons, Billy, Timothy and Bobby Gilbert.
The family will visit with friends from 5-7PM on Wednesday, August 8th at the funeral home.

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