John Benny Gilbert

John “Benny” Gilbert (Dad/Pepa), 83, graduated to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, October 3, 2025.

He was born into this life on April 4, 1942 in Columbus, GA.  He was the son to the late Addis Delma and Birdie Lou (Waldon) Gilbert.  He was a twenty year career United States Navy Veteran who served during the Vietnam War.  He had a second career after the Navy and retired as a Chief Financial Officer for HCA Hospital in Houston, TX.  He earned a BA from the University of West Florida, an MBA from Houston Baptist University, and a CPA license.  In 2000, he and his wife moved to Dunnellon, FL and became members of the Riverland Baptist Church where he worshiped and served the Lord.

In his spare time over the years, he enjoyed studying the Bible earning  a Diploma from the Tri-County Bible Institute, golfing, bowling, playing in the senior softball league, and traveling.  His favorite song that he even requested in his last days:  I Want the People to See Jesus in Me by Carroll Roberson. Indeed you could see Jesus in him.

He was an example of a walking miracle because he placed his hope and faith in God. He was a fighter all the way to the end until God called him Home where he heard ‘well done good and faithful servant’ and was reunited with his sweetheart.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Judith Dianne (Cooper) Gilbert; his four sisters; one grandchild, Jeremy Christian Gilbert.

Those left to cherish his memories are his son, Christopher Mark Gilbert, Castle Pines, CO;  his daughter, Teresa Gilbert Pettit, Houston, TX; his sisters, Nina June Carroll, Deltona, FL and Bobbie Suelane Pearson, Grand Bay, AL; his seven grandchildren; his five great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Riverland Baptist Church in Dunnellon, FL  in his memory.

There will be a public viewing held on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 9-10 AM at Roberts Funeral Home, 19939 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, FL. Committal services will follow at 11:30 AM at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with full military honors.