He was born to the late Ralph “Red” and Lee Gilbert and was raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Greenville Senior High School in 1966. Corky retired from the Army National Guard where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Post 95 and the ELKS Club #91 in Chattanooga. He loved scuba diving and had dove with Jacques Cousteau. His greatest joy was raising his two sons.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Gilbert; and his faithful service dog, Captain Jack.
Corky is survived by his sons, Thomas and Rick Gilbert; sisters, Linda (Don) Watson, Dale Spear, Donna (Stan) Sauer and Dixie Brackett; brother, Steve (Faye) Gilbert; grandchildren, Kayla, Julia, Merissa, Brendon and Lukas Gilbert; and two soon to be great/grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 12:30 pm in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Wayland Stewart officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. Family will receive friends from 10:30 am until time of service at the funeral home.