James Emory Gilbert, Jr., of the Hidden Valley community, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 30, 2017.

Jr struggled with cancer for three years. He said his family and the huge support system from the community kept him fighting. The love was overwhelming and he could not believe that so many people helped him in his journey. Jr was born August 20, 1966 in Lebanon, Virginia and grew up in Hidden Valley where he helped with farming. He worked for Wright’s Equipment, Blevins’ Construction and lastly at Tri-County Driving Academy where he trained heavy equipment operators and truck drivers. He loved hunting turkey, deer, squirrel, and whatever was in season. Many times, he had his children out in the woods, teaching them to hunt.  He also loved to watch Taylor play basketball for Abingdon High and her travel team. Jr attended church at Chestnut Grove Community Church and said that one of his biggest accomplishments in life was finding the Lord.

Jr was preceded in death by his mother, Maebell Gray; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Lucille Martin; paternal grandparents, Emmitt and Myrtle Gilbert.

Jr is survived by his loving wife, Carey Gilbert; his beautiful children, Taylor Gilbert and Jamey Gilbert; father, Jim Gilbert; step-father, Don Gray and wife Shelby; brothers, Joey Gilbert and wife Angel, Eddie Winkler and wife Joan, Fred Winkler and wife Ruby; sisters, Pamela Kegley and husband Guy “Boo”, and Linda Street. Also, many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017, in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Jerry A. Eggers and Pastor Travis Fletcher officiating. A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to gather at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Joe Baldwin, Billy Galliher, Ronnie Gilbert, Jimmie Hess, Jr., Darren Miller and Joey Gilbert. Honorary pallbearers will be Guy “Boo” Kegley, Aaron Morgan, Bill Martin, J.T. Martin, William Denton, Carter McGlothlin, Chad Hamilton, Mark Hamilton, Kenny Akers, Anthony Jesse, Adam McGlothlin, Eddie Wilson, Billy Ray Webb, Fred Winkler, family, and friends.