John Maxwell Gilbert

Born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5, 1927, John grew up with his brother Pilmoor and sister Mary Jane. He discovered a lifelong love of golf as a young caddy at McCabe Golf Course when it first opened—starting out with hand-me-down clubs and no lessons and going on to become a course champion and a scratch golfer. Left-handed by nature but playing right-handed out of necessity, John’s determination and natural talent were clear from the start.

A proud graduate of his high school, where he was senior class president and voted “Best Looking,” John went on to attend Vanderbilt University on the GI Bill after serving two years in the U.S. Army following World War II. He lettered in golf at Vanderbilt and remained a proud Commodore for life.

John met his beloved wife, Dorothy Louise Johnson, on a golf course. They married in the early 1950s and shared decades of love and laughter until her passing. Together they raised two daughters, Ann (Joe) and Beth (Carrie, deceased), who inherited his warmth, wit, and love of life.

John spent most of his career in insurance, specializing in medical malpractice with Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company, where he was deeply respected and truly loved his work. He didn’t retire until well into his 70s.

Outside of work, John was a man of wide-ranging passions. He took up running in the 1960s, competing in 10K races across the country. After knee surgery when running was no longer an option, he turned to biking and was an active member of the Harpeth Bike Club well into his 90s. He rode the Natchez Trace, explored Percy Warner Park, and biked through Germany, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Nova Scotia, and across the United States. He even completed England’s famed Coast-to-Coast Walk and returned to the U.K. many times afterward to visit the friends he made there.

John was an incredible father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought magic to everyday life. He built a treehouse in the backyard with his brother, led family road trips across the South and to Colorado, and made sure his granddaughters never missed “National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day”. Saturdays were for oatmeal or pancakes, fishing trips to Percy Warner Park, and ice cream stops at Baskin Robbins. He took his grandchildren to see Harry Potter, flew kites across from the Steeplechase, and ran alongside his family in 10Ks. He cheered on Beth at triathlon races and called her every night after the loss of her husband—a ritual they kept until he no longer could.

John’s mind stayed sharp to the very end, as did his curiosity and deep love of people. John touched more lives than most people do in two lifetimes. He had an extraordinary memory and a remarkable gift for friendship. Whether through work, running, biking, or travel, he formed lasting bonds and was truly cherished by the countless friends who remained by his side—meeting him for lunch, taking him on adventures, or simply sharing coffee and conversation.

He had a deep appreciation for music—especially acoustic guitar, classical pieces, and Brazilian jazz—and was always ready to listen to something new. He was a voracious reader, filling his home with books that reflected a lifetime of intellectual curiosity.

John is survived by his daughters, Ann (Joe) and Beth (Carrie, deceased); his granddaughters Elle and Grace (Tommy); step-grandchildren Sam, Isabel (Tommy), and Theo; great-granddaughter Tia and step-great-grandson Nate. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and his siblings Pilmoor and Mary Jane.

His legacy is one of joy, resilience, kindness, adventure, and of course, unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the honor of knowing him.

There will be a Celebration of Life for John on Saturday July 26, 2025 from 4-6 pm at Noshville Deli Green Hills 4014 Hillsboro Circle, Nashville, TN 37215.

If you are unable to attend his Celebration of Life service, the family asks that you go for a bike ride, or a run, or a hike; or plan a vacation to somewhere fun in his honor.

Fond memories, words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be left for the Gilbert family by selecting the "Add A Memory" tab below or by visiting his website at www.HermitageFH.com