Larry Neil Gilbert

Larry Neil Gilbert passed away January 31, 2015 at the age of 72. Born Sept 7, 1942 to Maxwell Gilbert and Hazel Simpson McGuire, Larry is survived by his wife Rhonda, daughter Candy (Byron) Shaw, son Larry Neil, Jr. (Trisha), and grandchildren Jacob Shaw (19), Max Shaw (16), Ellery Gilbert (8), Owen Gilbert (6) and Lucy Gilbert (1). He is also survived by this brother Vince (Sandra) Simpson, sisters Ann Wright and Kathy (Mike) Briscoe, Gene and Janice East (parents-in-law), David and Steve East (brothers-in-law) and loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry, a Birmingham native, graduated from Jones Valley High School. He worked as a Senior Designer for many firms in Birmingham, including Zurn Industries, Southern Company and Rust Engineering, where he met Rhonda in 1981. He was an energetic and youthful spirit. As a young man, he studied Judo, explored caves, was a champion show-dog trainer, and played basketball and softball; the later until he was 50. During his lifetime, he visited every state in the United States, except Alaska. Larry is thought of as being as caring and friendly a man you will find, never having met a stranger and always willing to help another. It would not be strange to see him extinguishing the fiery car of a traveler in trouble or striking up a conversation with strangers on a trip. His attitude and demeanor made him extremely beloved by his family and friends. This was particularly exemplified later in life as he lived with Parkinson’s disease for 15 years. Larry and Rhonda have been members of The Church at Brook Hills for the past 20 years. His life culminated in his baptism there on Jan 15, 2015. His health diminished unexpectedly just 3 days later only to regain it completely, now in God’s presence, as if by plan.