Roy J. Gilbert, Jr.

Roy was born on February 19, 1932, in San Antonio, Texas to Roy Gilbert Sr. and George Allie Gilbert. He was raised in Cotulla, Texas until the family moved to Laredo, Texas. He then attended St. Joseph’s Academy and Laredo Martin High School as well as spent time as a Boy Scout. A move to San Antonio, Texas brought him to the Texas Military Institute (TMI) where he attended until his attention focused on the family business and started his lifelong interest in trucking.

Roy’s passion for the trucking business began at a young age as his father Roy Sr. had started Gilbert Truck Lines in Cotulla, Texas in 1927. As a boy in Laredo, he could often be found at the family business with his father working any way he could. From sweeping the dock to washing trucks, he eagerly gleaned what he could and fueled his future in the trucking business. He received his commercial drivers license (CDL) at age 16 and ignited his love for trucks with Gilbert Truck Lines, the predecessor to Southwestern Motor Transport (SMT Lines) today, in 1950.

His path, however, took a turn in 1951 when he was called for the Korean War draft. After basic training at Lackland, he was selected for the U.S. Air Force to serve as a classroom flight instructor at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was honorably discharged so he could return to help his father run the family trucking business.

On occasion, he would visit the office in Laredo. It was there he met his love, Norma Cavazos, who he married in 1959. Together, they raised five daughters. Their devotion to each other was rich and they hardly ever spent a night apart over their nearly 56 years together and until her passing in 2013. They loved hosting spirited parties at their home where friends were always warmly welcomed.

Roy was a past member of the Associated Employers, the American Trucking Association, the Texas Motor Transportation Association as well as a past board member of the Texas Transportation Museum. For over 51 years, he was a member of the Order of the Sons of Hermann. He was also a member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and was one of twenty-one selected local business leaders from the Chamber to partake in an envoy to five Central American countries prior to HemisFair ’68. The family business flourished and SMT Lines started moving freight via carrier partnerships in and out of Mexico. SMT Lines became a pioneer in through-trailer service into Mexico years prior to any North American Free Trade Agreements (NAFTA). Over his life, Roy’s patriotism and support of our troops grew. In 2008, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his support of the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. And was presented the American Flag carried by soldiers of the Crazyhorse Troop in Northern Iraq. Recently, he was recognized by Governor Greg Abbot and commissioned an honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy.

Roy balanced his seemingly unwavering dedication to his work by spending time with his family, encouraging others and being a cheerful giver to those that know him. His love of the open road and travel led his family on many unforgettable trips and adventures. Whether it be in the mountains, ocean cruising, a big city, tropical paradise or an historic site, he patiently guided them through new experiences with an enthusiasm for life and appreciation of our world. Today, that spirit that lives on in his children.

He allowed his fondness for music to comfort his soul and he cherished the ones who made it happen. For over 25 years, he sponsored the Laredo Martin High School Band to attend the Drum Corps International in San Antonio, Texas. And most Friday nights he reveled in the sounds of his favorite local band. Roy was also a 1996 sponsor of Lyn St. James in the Indy 500, of which he attended over 30 races.

His generosity and support extended to the American Cancer Society, the Witte Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters, For the Love of Kids and Harleys and the Texas Transportation Museum as well as to many other individuals that he met along his life’s journey. Roy was also notorious for gifting silver dollars and other unique items as remembrances.

No matter how bumpy the road got, he was never one to let his hands off the wheel. Roy stood as a pillar of fortitude and grit that was evident to all that knew him. That attitude kept him rolling well into his later years. He will be greatly missed by many and remembered by some as a legend.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Roy Sr. and George Allie, his sisters Laurel Kaupert and Anita McCormick, as well as by his loving wife Norma. He is survived by his five daughters and son in law, Pamela Gilbert and her husband Randy Lenz, Monica Lammers, Gina Sigman, Marcie Gilbert and partner Tommy Olson, Julie Gilbert, grandchildren Justin Lammers, Tyler Lammers, Evan Gilbert, Georgia Gilbert and Lauren Sigman.

The Gilbert family would like to acknowledge their appreciation for the condolence cards, calls and messages received that have enlightened us to ways our father beautifully impacted the lives of others.

A service will be held at Porter Loring Chapel North from 5pm-6pm on Sunday September 19, 2021.

That date would be the 62nd wedding anniversary for Roy and Norma.

Service was livestreamed and can be viewed below:

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation at www.TxTransportationMuseum.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org