M Hewitt Gilbert

M. Hewitt Gilbert, 96, of Winston-Salem passed peacefully into the more immediate presence of his Lord and Savior on February 24, 2022 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Catherine Jessie McArthur Gilbert and his parents, Wade Oliver Gilbert and Bertha Hewitt Gilbert, two sisters and one brother.

He was born on April 19, 1925 in Cabarrus County, NC to Wade Oliver and Bertha Hewitt Gilbert. He grew up in in the Newton, NC area, graduated from Balls Creek High School in 1943 and was drafted into the US Army.  He served two tours of duty, primarily in Germany, during World War II and the Korean war. He was a resident of Winston-Salem since 1948. He joined the Winston-Salem Fire Department in 1950, rising through the ranks until his retirement as a District Fire Chief in 1984. In addition to line fire suppression commands, he was involved in the long-term modernization of the Department’s communications systems in the late 70s and early 80s. A member of Fairview Moravian Church since 1980, he served on the Board of Trustees’ as well as the Trustees of the Salem Congregation. He was a member of VFW Post #10485 and  Masonic Lodge #167. He was a long time volunteer at Forsyth Medical Center. Hewitt enjoyed travelling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, playing golf and saltwater fishing.

Hewitt is survived by two sons, Gary Gilbert (Alyce) of Winston -Salem and Dr. Gregg Gilbert (Michele) of Birmingham, AL; three grandchildren, Maryclaire Gilbert, Brandon Gilbert and Caitilin Gilbert and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express gratitude to the nurses and doctors who cared for Mr. Gilbert in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Forsyth Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at  2:00 PM Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC with Rev. Tony Hayworth officiating. Interment will follow in Salem Moravian Graveyard (God’s Acre). The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the church. In  lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Fairview Moravian Church at the address above.