Funeral service for Earl Frank Gilbert, 81, will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Pressnell officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel.
Earl Gilbert was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to many. Earl never met a stranger and was known for striking up a conversation with anyone he met. He made everyone around him feel special.
Earl passed away on December 29, 2025. He was born on September 22, 1944, in Cambridge, England. His mother and father met during World War II, while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. They came to America aboard the Queen Mary when Earl was a small child.
Earl was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1964-1968. He served in the Vietnam War, during his tenure with the USAF, where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for going above and beyond the call of duty.
After his military service, Earl received an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology from Calhoun Community College. He then worked in maintenance for 37 years, at Calhoun Community College, where he retired in 2009 as the HVAC Lead Technician.
Earl loved spending time with his family, Alabama football, working in his yard, reading, and Friday night Mexican dates with Josh and Sherry. He unofficially served as the handyman for his family, as he never encountered anything-from household appliances to cars-that he could not repair.
Earl was a burst of light in a world of darkness, lighting up any room he walked into. He always knew how to enjoy every little moment life had to offer. He was strong in his political and religious beliefs and was not afraid to stand up for what was right. He was a proud Christian and read his Bible daily. Earl will be truly missed, and the world will be a quieter place without him.
Earl is preceded in death by his wife, Angie Springer Gilbert.
Survivors include: Three daughters: Stephanie Montgomery (Tad), Lori Wallace (Mickey), and Mary Reese (Marty), One son: Joshua Gilbert (Sherry), Three granddaughters: Brylee Meadows (William), Macie Harbin (John Michael), and Lily Reese, Two grandsons: Hunter Montgomery and Wilder Reese, One great-grandson: Stratton Meadows, One sister: Denise Kelly, One brother: Russell Gilbert, and A host of nieces and nephews.
Hunter Montgomery, Wilder Reese, William Meadows, John Michael Harbin, Morgan Flakes, Matthew Flakes, Jimmy Gilbert, David Gilbert, Nigel Kelly, and Isaac Kelly will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Divine Personal Care (256-375-3712) or the American Legion of Hartselle.
Peck Funeral Home
