Alton Douglas Gilbert

Alton Douglas "Doug" Gilbert was born into this world on September 1, 1940 in Badin, North Carolina to Ruby and Earl Gilbert.  

Doug was a natural fighter. His first battle began at the young age of seven when he was diagnosed with polio. Upon diagnosis, he was admitted into the hospital in Charlotte, NC and spent three years in a ward for children with polio. His family would visit but his biggest inspiration for him was the constant presence of his loving mother, Ruby Gilbert.  She stood by his side throughout the entire battle, many times only being able to visit him through a window to wave and blow kisses. This experience had a profound impact on the person that Doug became. He miraculously survived when many did not.  He did not let this experience define him, rather it was the catalyst for his strength and determination. 

Throughout Doug's life he fought and succeeded, climbing his way to the top through hard work, true grit, and determination.  Failure was not an option for this young man coming from rural North Carolina who fought a debilitating disease and won.

Doug attended college for a time and went to work repossessing cars for a local bank in Jacksonville, FL.  His tenacity did not go unnoticed by all those around him both professionally and personally.  His banking career spanned nearly 50 years going from the repo man all the way to the President of a large regional bank where he oversaw the operations of a publicly traded banking institution. He was an active member of the community and sat on the board of many civic organizations.

Throughout his climb professionally, Doug made many close friends and colleagues.  He was an avid fisherman and loved being out on the ocean in his spare time. Doug was happiest when with his family no matter where it was, his second love was being on the ocean fishing.  

Doug took his profession seriously, he took his love of the ocean seriously, but what he took the most serious was the unconditional love he had for his family.  His unwavering dedication to his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins was remarkable.  

Doug leaves behind his wife Dawn, his daughter Kathryn Gorman and her husband Tyler, his son Adam Gilbert and his wife Kara, his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pappy"; James Douglas Gorman, Ana Gilbert, Ziggy Gilbert, and Harley Gilbert. He also leaves behind his siblings, Kenny Gilbert and his wife Wanda, Fran Tyson, Johnnie Gilbert and his wife Wanda, Sister-in-law, Brenda Gilbert,  Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Vince and Marie Damico, Brother-in-law Mark and Carol Damico. He is predeceased in death by his Mother Ruby and Father Earl Gilbert, his brother Donnie Gilbert, and his brother-in-law Homer Tyson.

Doug's final battle ended on the evening of March 25th. Surrounded by his family who were sad to see him go, he was simultaneously wrapped into the loving arms of his mother as she and the Lord welcomed him into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Words cannot describe the sorrow the family has for the loss of Doug.  There will forever be a hole in their hearts that will never be filled.  They take comfort in having cherished memories of him to look back on and wait in anticipation to be reunited with him again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org

Services on March 29th at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park & Palm City Chapel. 2001 SW Murphy Rd, Palm City, FL  34990