Chris Gilbert

Chris Gilbert passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Sunday, the 8th of February 2026, in Houston, Texas. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and legendary athlete, Chris lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast leadership, and a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born the 16th of October 1946, to Earl and Sadie Gilbert, Chris was the second of four children. His competitive spirit emerged early. At just seven years old he became the Houston Junior City Boxing Champion at The Boys Club of America, and soon after began playing Pop Warner football—two passions that foreshadowed a lifetime of discipline, resilience, and excellence.

Chris attended Spring Branch High School in Houston, where he played for legendary coach Darrell Tulley and began a football career that would earn him statewide and national recognition. Over his high school career, he rushed for 3,303 yards and scored 272 points, leading the Spring Branch Bears to state playoff appearances in 1962, 1963, and 1964. As a senior, he delivered his most productive season with 169 carries for 1,311 yards—an average of 7.8 yards per carry. He was named Team Captain in 1964, earned All-District and All-State honors, and was recognized nationally as a Parade Magazine All-American and Scholastic Magazine All-American. In 1990, his extraordinary high school achievements were honored with his induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.

It was also at Spring Branch High School where Chris met the love of his life, Pamela Maria Hewett. Chris and Pam married in the spring of 1970 and built a beautiful life together, raising two sons—Chris II and Ty—anchored in faith, family, and commitment.

Chris continued his football career at the University of Texas, where he became one of the foundational great running backs in Longhorn history. From 1966 to 1968, he played 29 career games and rushed for 3,231 yards on 595 carries, averaging approximately 5.4 yards per carry, with 28 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver and returner, recording 7 receptions for 124 yards and 20 kick returns averaging 22.7 yards per return.

Season after season, Chris delivered historic consistency:

• 1966: 1,080 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns

• 1967: 1,019 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns

• 1968: 1,132 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns

He became the first player in NCAA history to record three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, a milestone that placed him among the elite in college football. A Consensus All-American in 1968 and a three-time All–Southwest Conference selection (1966–1968), Chris was voted team MVP three consecutive seasons and served as co-captain of the 1968 Longhorn team. That year, he finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, in a season won by O.J. Simpson. Chris’s enduring impact on the game was recognized with induction into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor (1978) and the College Football Hall of Fame (1999). In 2024, he received the Doak Walker Legends Award, further affirming his place in football history.

Between his junior and senior seasons at Texas, Chris and his college roommate and close friend, Corby Robertson Jr., founded Camp Olympia, a boys’ and girls’ overnight summer camp in Saron, Texas, near Trinity on the shores of Lake Livingston. Established in 1968 with the vision of creating “the best camp in the world,” Camp Olympia grew into a multigenerational institution deeply woven into the fabric of Texas summer life. Over the decades, Olympia expanded its programs, strengthened traditions, and built a lifelong community rooted in shared songs, cheers, spirit competitions, and character-building experiences. With alumni returning year after year, the camp’s legacy became self-sustaining through deep continuity and pride—now further supported through the T.O.R.C.H. alumni organization (True Olympians Remember Camp Heritage). Camp Olympia remains accredited by the American Camping Association and continues to shape lives, carrying forward the spirit Chris helped create.

After his senior season at Texas, Chris was drafted in the fifth round by the New York Jets, where he would have played alongside Joe Namath. He chose instead to forgo the NFL and pursue a career in the private sector. Chris became a highly successful home builder and entrepreneur, and he helped start several successful banks and title companies—building not only homes and businesses, but also trust, opportunity, and lasting relationships.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Pam Gilbert; his sons, Ty Gilbert and Chris Gilbert II; his daughter-in-law, Dolce Gilbert; and his cherished grandchildren, Christopher Gilbert and Rosabella Gilbert. He is also survived by his siblings Sharon Leigh (and husband Bill Leigh), Brad Gilbert (and wife Vickie Gilbert), and Craig Gilbert (and wife Veronica Gilbert); his nieces Sheri Gross, Danielle Gilbert, and Sadie Gilbert; and his nephews Brad Leigh, Morgan Leigh, Earl Gilbert and Chris Goodman. Along with multiple great nieces and nephews.

Chris Gilbert will be remembered for his devotion to family, his unwavering character, his historic athletic accomplishments, and the communities he built—on the field, in business, and most enduringly, in the lives shaped by Camp Olympia. His legacy will continue through his family, his friendships, and the countless people who carry a piece of his spirit forward.

A funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 19th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

For those unable to attend, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service section below.

The family will gather for a private interment service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and in the spirit of Chris’ dedication to giving back to his community, the family requests contributions be made to the Heaven’s 27 Foundation by visiting www.heavens27.org or clicking the link below under "Donations".

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.