Jerry Dalton Gilbert

Mr. Jerry Dalton Gilbert, 81, of Winston-Salem, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, after an eight month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Jerry was born in Mount Airy, NC on August 16, 1941, to the late Harry Moir Gilbert and Verna Clark Hylton Gilbert.  In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, James Clark Gilbert.  He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Vaughn Gilbert; daughters, Cathy Ray (Chris) of Charlotte, NC and Emily Ransom (Earl) of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren, James Ransom (Charis) of High Point, NC, Stacy Adelman (Sev) of Wake Forest, NC, and Emma Ransom of Raleigh, NC; brother, Bill Gilbert (Linda) of Richmond, VA; and two sisters, Barbara Homan (Ron) of Richmond, VA and Charlotte Self (David) of Powhatan, VA.  Jerry graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1959 and from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on June 3, 1963, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.  After completing his education, Jerry was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving from June 5, 1963 to June 8, 1967, reaching the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.  Jerry served on the USS Thornback (SS-418) and USS Trout (SS-566) with both submarines operating out of Charleston, SC.  After receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jerry began a career in banking with Wachovia.  He served in various departments until his retirement in June 2000 as a banking officer.  Jerry also worked as a contractor for Wachovia for additional years after retirement.  Jerry was guided by his Christian faith and love for his Lord.  He was a faithful member of Ardmore Baptist Church since 1967, serving in numerous capacities including Deacon, adult choir, Baptist Men for disaster relief, Sunday School (especially the Fellowship Class), and several committees including finance and personnel.  Jerry was also involved with the youth group while his daughters were a part of the group and even enjoyed driving a bus full of teenagers to Camp Caswell at the NC coast.  He treasured the fellowship and numerous friendships he made through Ardmore Baptist Church and remained heavily involved in church activities as long as his health permitted.  Jerry was a loving and faithful husband, dad, and papa and would do anything for his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.  He was a humble and generous man, faithful friend and helper to many.  He had a quick wit, loved to joke and kid around and keep people laughing.  Jerry was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching golf and NASCAR.  He was a loyal fan of his beloved Tarheels but it stressed him out too much to watch them play, especially basketball.  Jerry had a deep interest in all things finance, investing, and spreadsheets.  He was detail oriented and could often be found helping his Sunday School class members with technical computer issues.  A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Ardmore Baptist Church with Rev. Tyler Tankersley and Dr. Gina M. Brock officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.  A private committal service will be held in the church columbarium.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.  Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Gilbert.