Joyce Mack Gilbert

Mr. Joyce “Mack” Gilbert, age 87 of Winnsboro, passed away on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 in Winnsboro. He was born on March 16th, 1928 in Franklin County to the late Lonnie Gilbert and Gladys Anderson Gilbert. Mack grew up in the New Hope area of Franklin County and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. He was an outstanding athlete and enjoyed telling stories about his days playing football for Coach Catfish Smith. He then played football for Tyler Junior College and became a professional player in the early days of professional basketball before the NBA. He lived for over 50 years in the Houston and Pearland area as an entrepreneur in the field of oil and gas for which he owned several successful businesses. During those years he coached youth baseball and sponsored many activities for the community where he lived. In 2005 he returned to East Texas and relaxed while playing golf and telling stories with old and new friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sybel Akin Gilbert, and sister, Doris Lynn Carter. He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Betty Gilbert of Winnsboro; sons, Mark Gilbert and wife Gay of Longview, Gary Gilbert of Houston and Shane Gilbert of California; two grandchildren, Officer of the U.S. Navy, Derek Chantry Gilbert and Emily Loftus; two great grandchildren, Jacob Gilbert and Arilynn Gilbert, in addition the loving children and grandchildren of his wife, Bettye. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro. Funeral Services will be immediately follow at 11:00 am, Rev. Henry Suche and Pastor Mike Langdon officiating, interment will follow at Sand Hill Cemetery in Mt. Enterprize, with Bud Campbell, Joe St.Miklossy, Erice Brown, Nevin St.Romain, Joe Adams, Tim McMakin, Eldon "PeeWee" Davis, and Pat Patrick serving as pallbearers.