Gilbert Lance McPherson

HIGH POINT — Gilbert Lance McPherson, 87, passed away on March 9, 2016 at Pennybyrn at Maryfield. Gilbert was born on December 13, 1928 to the late Thomas Lance McPherson and Juanita Tysinger McPherson in High Point.

Gilbert was raised by his mother and special family friends "Mamaw Giles" and Virginia Robbins and graduated from High Point High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army from September 3, 1950 until January 28, 1952 and received an Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant 1st Class, serving as a Chief Medical Aidman at Ft. Lewis Washington.

On November 1, 1945 Gilbert married Clara Farlow, who preceded him in death on December 2, 2009. Also preceding him in death were a sister, Jennie McGinn Herndon; brother, John R. McGinn; sister-in-law, Bernice Lemons; and brothers-in-law, Dennis, Raphael and Noel Farlow.

Surviving are his daughter, Jill McPherson Threatt (Jay Johnson) of Trinity, NC and son Stephen L. McPherson and wife Patricia "Lynn" Taylor McPherson of High Point, NC; grandchildren, Kristin Durham Phillips and husband Bradley Phillips, Julia Hall McPherson and Erin Lindsay Threatt; great-grandchildren, Addison Phillips, Jayden Boles; step grandchildren, Matthew Scott Reichart, Sarah Eilene Reichart, Jacob Taylor Reichart; step great-granddaughter, Adrianna Marie Miller; sisters-in-law, Mary Wicker and Phyllis Bell; brothers-in-law, Max and Lewis Farlow; and many nieces and nephews.

Gilbert was a longtime member of High Point Friends Meeting where he served as a trustee for many years. He was an original Trustee Board member of High Point Friends School. Gilbert served a term as President of the Virginia/Carolinas Home Furnishings Representative Association. He was recognized in 1991 by the Southern Home Furnishings Association for 25 years as a "loyal friend and benefactor of the association." He also received the AB Fanjoy Memorial Award in 1976 from the Virginia/Carolinas Home Furnishings Representative Association.

Gilbert's first job was at age 7, delivering groceries for Big Bear Grocery Store by bicycle. He worked as a buyer for Alexander's Department Store after his service in the U.S. Army. He then worked for Jim McAffee as a sales representative covering NC, SC and VA selling lighting, before buying the business in August 1969. He then successfully worked as Owner and President of Dealers Mart Inc. until his retirement in January 2006.

Gilbert was a member of the Acacia Lodge 674 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in High Point, NC, a longtime member of High Point Country Club, String & Splinter Dinner Club, and High Point Elks Lodge. He enjoyed his weekly Friday afternoon golf match with his buddies at Willow Creek Golf Club before moving his game to be closer to his friends playing the course at River Landing. Gilbert quietly supported numerous civic and community organizations and believed in always giving back to his community and church.

The family wants to thank the wonderful staff of Pennybyrn's Smith House at Taylor Village for their compassionate and thoughtful care during Dad's time with them.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 12, at Marlboro Friends Meeting in Sophia, NC with burial to follow at Marlboro Friends Meeting Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point on Friday, March 11 from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to The Children's Home Society of North Carolina at www.chsnc.org, Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org, or the charity of one's choice.

Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point is honored to serve the McPherson family.

Online condolences may be made at www.sechrestfunerals.com.