Donald Bruce Gilbert

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, and friend whose life was defined by faith, family, generosity, and service to others. Known for his warm personality, genuine interest in people, and unwavering dependability, Don leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and a life well lived.

Don was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Douglas Lamar Gilbert Sr. and Nedra Lucille Hood Gilbert. He graduated from College Park High School in College Park, Georgia, in 1967 and went on to graduate from West Georgia College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Don’s strong work ethic began at an early age, mowing lawns and delivering newspapers as a boy. As a teenager, he worked at Six Flags and later spent a year working at Walt Disney World driving the monorail. His early career was as varied as it was interesting, including restaurant management, management with Sid and Marty Krofft in Atlanta, insurance, real estate, and a partnership at Warren Bond Photography.

From 1979 to 1985, Don worked as a Customer Service Manager for Ozark Airlines in Peoria, Illinois and St Louis, Missouri. In 1986, he joined BellSouth Advertising and Publishing in Atlanta, where he sold Yellow Pages advertising and earned the prestigious President’s Club award three times.

In 1992, Don and his brother Dennis teamed up to form Gilbert Brothers, Inc., a Wendy’s franchise business. Don served as partner and president, a role he enjoyed until his semi-retirement in 2016. After selling the franchise, he continued his role as partner of Gilbert Bros., Inc., a real estate holding company. Throughout his career, Don was respected not only for his business leadership but also for his integrity, fairness, and commitment to doing what was right.

Don believed deeply in giving back to his community. He helped to found the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, served three times as Chairman of the Board, and remained an active board member for many years. His dedication was recognized with both the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. He also served on the Irmo Planning Commission and the School District 5 Business Advisory Committee. Additionally, he served as President of the Wendy’s Advertising Co-op in South Carolina.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Don’s life. For many years, he was an active member of Union Methodist Church, where he and Myra were dedicated members of the Seekers Sunday school class. He served the church in numerous capacities, including usher, member of the Administrative Board, and member of the Building and Finance Committees. More recently, he and Myra joined Chapin Christian Community Church, where they formed wonderful friendships in faith with their Believers Sunday school class. Don’s faith was best reflected in the way he treated others. One of his most familiar expressions was simply, “It’s the right thing to do.” Those words were more than a saying; they were the principle by which he lived.

To those who knew him, Don was affectionately called “Mr. Dependable.” He was the person others could count on, whether they needed a helping hand or thoughtful advice. He was generous with his time, his wisdom, and his friendship, always willing to help wherever he could.

Don never met a stranger and took a genuine interest in the people around him. He loved asking questions and making connections. And he loved to share stories about his own family, especially his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, who were his greatest sources of pride.

Above all, Don treasured his family. He and his beloved wife, Myra Lewis Gilbert, were married on October 7, 1979, and shared 47 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, friendship, and countless cherished memories.

Together, Don and Myra enjoyed traveling the world with their “travel buddies,” spending time at the beach with family and friends, and making the most of life’s adventures. Don loved boating on Lake Murray, snorkeling in the ocean, riding waves at the beach, zip-lining, playing games, and, perhaps most of all, being surrounded by people. Don embraced life with enthusiasm and a love for good company.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Myra Lewis Gilbert; his daughters, Monica Gilbert Conklin (Matthew David Conklin), and Dana Gilbert McAdams (Andrew Kim Yung McAdams); and his seven grandchildren, Ryan Kevin McAdams, Ava Nicole Gilbert, Aidan Bruce McAdams, Rosalie Kim McAdams, Charlotte Ann Conklin, Grant Davis Conklin, and Bruce Matthew Conklin.

He is also survived by his siblings, Peggy Gail Gilbert Reuschle, Dennis Chesley Gilbert, David Kenneth Gilbert, and Patricia Sue Gilbert (Susie).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Lamar Gilbert Sr. and Nedra Lucille Hood Gilbert, and his brother, Douglas Lamar Gilbert Jr. (Doug Jr.).

Don will be remembered for his generous heart, steady presence, strong faith, and the way he made others feel valued. He built a successful career, served his community faithfully, and created a lifetime of memories with those he loved. But his greatest legacy will be the relationships he created, the example he set, and the love he gave so freely.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina 29063.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 11:00 am at Chapin Christian Community Church, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, South Carolina 29036.