Walter Lee Gilbert Jr., 79

Walter Lee Gilbert Jr., 79, of Lake Lure passed away on December 15, 2019.

Never the complainer he was at peace knowing he would soon be having a family reunion.

Walter was born in 1940 to Walter Sr and Ruth Gilbert in Forest city. After graduating from cool springs HS he went on to study at NCS. He was in fraternity Delta Sigma phi and continued to enjoy events with his brother. The loss of his father as an Air Force gunner in WW2 and his love of numbers chartered his path in aeronautical engineering.

After graduating college he met and married Marlene Brooks and had two children, Jonathan and Jenna. They were married for 16 yrs. His second marriage was to Magali who had two grown children, Mark and Michelle.

During his long career as a job shopper he worked on many important projects which he was very proud of. He lived in many different places and made friends wherever he roamed. Full of life and never idle in mind or body he always had a "project" going on. He was an example of if you work hard you get to play hard! His roots were always in NC and called it home.

Walter and Magali enjoyed many happy years and after retirement, they moved to Ecuador but after her illness his role quickly changed from not just a loving husband but to dedicated caregiver for 4 years until her passing in 2017.

Walter is predeceased by Walter Sr. Marlene and Magali. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Gilbert, whose relationship was so full of mutual love and devotion. His children Jonathan and Jenna and son in law, Kerry, who both in recent years relocated from FL to spend time with their cool, jolly Pops. His sister Linda and nephews Michael and David, step children Mark and Michelle, grand children who called him PaPa Wally, nephews and cousins and many loyal friends. He will be deeply missed.

Always having the travel bug he had many trips planned in his bag of tricks and his most recent was a trip to Ireland last year with friend Frankie. As a lifelong Christian and as he mellowed in later years his faith became richer. We feel he is on his greatest adventure and shag dancing in heaven.

A service will be held 2 P.M. Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Crowe's Funeral Chapel with a visitation for family and friends to follow.

Flowers or contributions to Veterans of foreign wars or veterans charity of your choice are both welcome.

Crowe's Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.