Henry Gilchrist

David Henry Gilchrist, III, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, was born on March 27, 2006, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Jody Hamilton Gilchrist and David Henry Gilchrist, Jr. He was baptized and remained a lifelong member of South Highland Presbyterian Church.

Henry began his education with loving teachers at the South Highland Presbyterian Child Development Center, later attending Vestavia Hills Cahaba Heights Elementary, Liberty Park Middle School, and Vestavia Hills High School. He played football, bowled, and wrestled during his school years.

In May 2024, Henry graduated from Vestavia Hills High School and The Academy of Craft Training, where he became certified in many types of welding. He worked as a welder/fitter at Daniel Iron, where he had also co-oped during high school. In January 2025, he entered the Auburn University Path to the Plains program, pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management.

Henry had many passions. He inherited a love for cars and Auburn University from his “Papa” and enjoyed building and driving trucks—always preferring them big. His own truck, affectionately named “Big Blue,” was a favorite source of pride. His dream job was to be a race car driver. A true outdoorsman, Henry considered the Gilchrist family farm his “happy place.” Trained in farm management from the time he was a toddler by his cousin Richard Gilchrist, Big Dad, and his father, he loved the land deeply.

He enjoyed playing pool, boating with friends, and was known as both a handyman and a grill master—having just perfected his steak. He loved country and classic rock music and adored his golden retriever, Jordan, and the black cat he rescued, Spooky.

He was preceded in death by his aunt Paula Hamilton; maternal grandmother Cathy Reynolds Hamilton; and paternal grandparents Shirley Barganier and David Henry Gilchrist, Sr.

He is survived by his grandfather, Johnnie Marvin Hamilton; his parents; his sister, Margaret Shirley Gilchrist; his uncle John (Marianne) Gilchrist; and cousins Annie and Beau Gilchrist. He was cherished by his great-aunts Mary Jane (Pete) Snider, Sherri Skaran, Tammie (Gill) Cutchen, Suzie Gilchrist, and the late Betty (John) Bates and Nancy Dungan; and his great-uncles Tom (Juanita) Hamilton and the late Lane Gilchrist, Sr.

Henry will also be lovingly remembered by many second and third cousins: Michel, Morris (Laura), John, and Keelin Bates; Allison (Warner), Zadie, Wilson, and Lucy McConaughey; Michael, Lane Jr. (Tsahai), Malcolm, Richard (Jackie), Heather, Marjorie, William, Angus, and Johnny Gilchrist; Hannah and Olivia Kussin; Brandi (Marty) Gay; Anna and Grant (Jaelynn) Peoples; Nicholas, Lauren, and Richard Derzis; John Michael and Missy Skaran; Zeke (Christina) and Charlotte Snider; Randy, Derek, and Douglas Dungan; and Spencer and Zachary Hamilton.

He leaves behind his beloved girlfriend, Madelyn Csontos; lifelong best friends Langston James, Miles Plugge, and George Emory Lloyd; his South Highland Presbyterian Youth Group; his special group of friends, “The Nephews” (Alex Jones, Anthony Russo, Eli Beatty, Jack Fuller, Will Lancaster, Dustin Clark); and his new Auburn friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, from 12:30–1:30 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m., at South Highland Presbyterian Church, with Reverends Cort and Abby Gatliff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The Academy of Craft Training, or the South Highland Presbyterian Child Development Center.

“When I am weak or frightened, help me remember that your grace is sufficient for me and that your power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9