Dr. Stewart Dixon Gilbert Sr

Dr. Stewart Dixon Gilbert, 81, of Tifton, GA, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 16,2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Royston, Georgia, on October 13, 1943, to the late Reverend Wyatt Malcom and Susie Irene Hightower Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Charles Fagan, and his brother and sister-in-law, Wyatt Malcom (WM)Gilbert, Jr. and Patsy Whitworth Gilbert, and his niece, Cindy Gilbert. Stewart was a star football player through his high school years in Lavonia, GA. He moved during his senior year to Hiawassee, GA, where he graduated from Towns County High in 1961. He attended Young Harris College for 2 years before transferring to Mercer University .In 1965, he graduated a Mercer Bear and a married man. He tied the knot with his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Allen on August 1, 1964. From Mercer he began medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Upon completion of medical school, he took a residency in the radiology program at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA. In 1975 he accepted a position as a radiologist at Tift Regional Hospital where he worked and became friends with Dr. Wilmer Holloway, Dr. Ray Evans, and Dr. Kelly Douglas. Dr. Gilbert greatly appreciated his techs and staff at Tift Regional where he was known for his kindness, encouragement, and fun-filled-antics. During this season of life he could be found on the tennis courts at ABAC, coaching little league baseball, playing bridge and spades, assisting with swim meets, trying out motorcycles, cheering his kids on, and even sailing the ocean blue in his classic old sailboat. However, after 27 years in radiology and all those extracurricular events, he began to itch for other fields. Upon retirement, “Doc” or “Stew”, as he was often called began hunting, fishing, golfing and farming, where he gained many new friendships and a love for the outdoors. He also spent many afternoons and evenings supporting his grandchildren in their many activities from dance, soccer, pole vaulting, cross country, baseball, and football. In his later years he began motor homing throughout the US with his wife and dear friends. Driving the motor home and exploring the sights of America with friends brought him great joy. Dr. Gilbert served on the Ameris Bank Board for 26 years and was President of Spring Hill Country Club for 2 terms, leading to expansion in membership growth during his tenure. He was a member of the Searchers Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, Tifton. Stewart leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Carol Allen Gilbert, his favorite fur baby Lucy, and children Tonya (Ben)Tanner, Heather Compton, Dixon Gilbert(Vasile Rescenco), grandchildren Rachael Childers, John (Hannah) Tanner, Heather Childers, Mason (Jacey) Compton, Ross Tanner, and Sophie Compton. He is also survived by one brother James Carl (Janice) Gilbert, sisters-in-law, Sheila Allen (Glenn) Eller, Janet Allen, brother-in-law Bill (Trudy) Allen, partner of his brother WM, Jean Hopkins, and many nieces and nephews. Stewart lived a life he loved with no regrets. He always had a tale to tell, a joke to share, and a gift for making all feel welcome. He adored his family, and was so proud of all his grands. He was a gentle soul who cared deeply for others and believed in helping when he could without recognition. Heaven has gained one of the best, and he will be missed here greatly. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, Tifton, Georgia, at 2 o’clock. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Hospice of Tift Area or First United Methodist Church, Tifton. There will be a memorial service at a later date to celebrate his life with friends and family in Hiawassee, GA.

Dr. Stewart Dixon Gilbert Sr

October 13, 1943 - February 16, 2025