LeRoy Gilbert

LeRoy “Roy” Runge Gilbert of Palm Coast, Florida passed away unexpectedly at home in his sleep on July 20, 2016. He was 87 years old and enjoyed the love of his family and friends. Roy was born on August 17, 1928 in Sanford, Florida to Gertrude Runge Gilbert and Marvin LeRoy Gilbert. He graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford and received a bachelor's degree in Education from University of Florida in 1953. Roy found purpose in campus politics and student government. As recognition for his extensive service to the university, Roy was selected as a member of Florida Blue Key and the UF Hall of Fame as an undergraduate. After college, Roy pursued a career in education and moved to Oregon in 1953 to teach at the MacLaren Reform School for Boys. The next year he returned to Orlando to teach Sociology and History at Memorial High School, and was among the first group of teachers to inaugurate Robert E. Lee Junior High School in 1956. Roy procured the cannon which remains the centerpiece of the Lee Middle School courtyard today. In his last year of teaching in 1956, Roy purchased the Commander Insurance Agency and began a highly successful career selling property and casualty insurance across Central Florida, along with partners Wally Sanderlin and Ken Brown. Roy returned to teaching in 1989 and helped initiate the Dropout Prevention Program at Howard Middle School. In his retirement, he served as a guardian ad litem for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit. He was a former member of North Orlando Kiwanis Club, and he worshipped Christ as a member of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Palm Coast. Roy loved nature and the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and duck hunter throughout the beaches and backwoods of Florida. An accomplished horticulturist, Roy raised the largest private camellia garden in the state of Florida, including many rare and specialized breeds. He loved animals and over the years he housed dogs, cats, turtles, and one crow which he fed and raised from a hatchling. A true salesman, Roy could talk to anyone and put them at ease with his sense of humor and ability to tell a story. He could quote at length from Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and the Bible, much to the amusement of his children. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Carolyn Adams Gilbert; children, Sally Gilbert Abel (Richard) Orlando, FL; Cindy Gilbert Backus (Clark) Leesburg, VA; Roy Gilbert Jr., Los Altos, CA; and stepdaughter Callie DeHaven, Fernandina Beach, FL. He leaves behind grandchildren Taylor, Sara, Elizabeth, Kyle, William, and Campbell; Cousin Dorothy Runge; and his dog Raggs. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife of 28 years, Joyce Wetherell Gilbert, in 1983. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 6th at Evergreen Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.