William Richard Gilbert, 80, of Paducah passed away at 1:32 pm on Monday, May 8, 2017 at his residence, which happened to be the same place he was born.
Mr. Gilbert was of the Baptist faith, a Veteran of the Navy during the Korean War, Alabama Colonel, Kentucky Colonel, a Pipefitter and member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 184 of Paducah, Charter member of Sorghum Ridge Sporting Clays. He was also an avid Duck Hunter, Dirt Track Racer and he built his own racecars. He loved his kids, grandkids, his dogs and enjoyed going to eat with his breakfast buddies.
He is survived by one son, Richard “Ricky” Vincent Gilbert and wife Laurie (King) of Paducah; three daughters, Roxanna (Gilbert) Tillotson and husband Keith of Paducah, Lisa Gilbert of Lebanon, TN; Shellie Bowen and husband Curtis of Paducah; three brothers, Donnie Lee Gilbert and wife Lou of Paducah, Raymond Jackie Gilbert of Kevil, David Patrick Gilbert of Paducah; one sister, Hannah Gilbert Williams (Bobby Byrd) of Reidland; ten grandchildren, Darryl Richard Gilbert, Kyle Vincent Gilbert, Nathan Andrew Tillotson, Abby Nicole Tillotson, Trevor McReynolds, Kalee McReynolds, Whitney Locke Chesser, Cody Locke, Tyler Metcalf, Ethan Anderson; one great granddaughter, Felicity Chesser; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Jesse Gilbert and Alma Ethel (Darnell) Gilbert; two brothers, Walter Gilbert, Michael Gilbert; three sisters, Katherine Brantley, Linda McDowell, Frances Adams.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Beck officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Provine Cemetery in Briensburg, KY.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the funeral home.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle online at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.