Raymond Neil Gilbert

Raymond Neil Gilbert, 74, of Covington, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at his residence.

Mr. Gilbert was born in Unadilla to the late Henry Clayton Gilbert and Eunice Rucker Gilbert. The family moved to Clayton County when Raymond was a child. In 1967, he moved to Monticello, and in 1982, he moved to Covington. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

Mr. Gilbert retired from Southern Bell in 1986. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and CWA Union. As a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Mr. Gilbert helped build ramps for the handicapped, repair audio books for the blind, and worked with Habitat for Humanity.

Mr. Gilbert loved to travel. He also was an avid fisherman and enjoyed cmaping. He was a craftsman, having built many homes, especially for his family members. He was a charter member of Piedmont Academy and a member of the Grandparent’s Club. But above all, he loved his children and grandchildren.

A son, Russell Dean Gilbert; brothers, John Lee Gilbert, Gene Gilbert, and Rodney Gilbert; and sisters, Effie Edwards, and Dorothy Jenkins all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Ivorene Moody Gilbert of Covington; children and daughter-in-law, Robert Glenn and Amy Gilbert of Hillsboro; daughter, Renea Yvonne Gilbert of Mansfield; grandchildren, Barron Neil Gilbert and Elizabeth Morgan Gilbert; brothers, James Gilbert of Jonesboro, Nicky Gilbert of Zebulon; and sisters, Josephine Alden of Fayetteville, and Irene Westbrook of Carrollton.

A graveside service is planned for Tuesday, Spet. 13, at 11 a.m. at Williams Payne Cemetery in Monticello. Dr. John Brown and Claude “Tip” Vaughn officiated.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Jordan Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Pat Barnes, David Gilbert, Dwight Gilbert, David Morrison, Dwight Voyles, and Ed Voyles. Honorary pallbearers were Southern Bell Retirees.

The family suggests donations to Piedmont Academy, P.O. Box 231, Monticello, Georgia 31064 or Williams Payne Cemetery, c/o Lynn C. Jordan, Trustee, P.O. Box 225, Monticello, Georgia 31064.

Jordan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. For more information, please visit our website at www.jordanfuneralhome monticello.com.