Jack Warren Gilchrist Sr. passed away December 8th, 2023 at the age of 86. He was Born April 17th 1937 in Somerville Alabama. Visitation for Jack will be held on Tuesday, December 12 from 12-1 PM at Roselawn Funeral with A Celebration of Life Service to follow in the chapel at 1:00 PM.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Otto Bowls Gilchrist and Hazel Pearl Cook Gilchrist, both of Somerville, son, Jack Warren Gilchrist Jr., brothers John, Vaughn, Lewey, and Garland Gilchrist and granddaughter Whitney McNalley Lamp.
He is survived by his wife Betty Steenson Gilchrist, daughter, Gigi Gilchrist McNalley (Ricky), grandchildren Andrea Gerwin (Brett), Sophie Gillette (Zach), Kate (Mason) and Jack. He is also survived by 8 great grandchildren: Jack and Sophie Paige Lamp, Adelaide, Hugh, Eleanor and Edward Gerwin, and Mac and Sage Gillette.
Jack graduated from Priceville High school in 1955 where he was a class favorite and a member of the 4H club and the softball team. He joined the Army National Guard in 1954 transferring to the United States Air Force in 1955 where he was an aircraft mechanic stationed in Puerto Rico and French Moraco before receiving an honorable discharge in 1958.
Jack met his wife of 65 years, Betty Faye Steenson Gilchrist, at the soda fountain in the Decatur Woolworth’s store. They were married August 7th 1959 at South Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama.
Jack and Betty had two children: Gigi Ann Gilchrist McNalley born 2/1/1960 and Jack Warren Gilchrist Jr., born 5/13/1962
Jack Was a member of Flint Baptist Church where he made a profession of faith to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was baptized. Jack began his work career at Prestolite in Decatur Alabama where he was employed as a Methods Engineer. In 1975 Jack was hired as a supervisor at General Motors’ Saginaw Steering Systems in Athens, Alabama where he retired in 1992.
Jack was a man’s man with many friends and lots of family that all thought very highly of him. He was not afraid to stand strong for what he believed in; a trait that was consistent throughout his life and won the respect of all that knew him. His hobbies included trading and watching Alabama Football. Jack and Betty spent many weekends traveling the backroads and trade day events searching for antiques and other treasures that he referred to as “old junk”. His lantern collection was so extensive and unique it was featured on the Jamie Cooper - Country Rover television show in the mid-1980s.
Jack was the kind of man that would help anyone if he saw a need; he just considered it “doing what's right” He was a friend, brother, father, beloved husband and Paw Paw to his grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be dearly missed.
