Pastor Rufus Edward "Nook" Gilbert Sr.

Days is done, God is nigh, was what Pastor Rufus Edward "Nook" Gilbert, Sr. age 80 of Jewell Ridge felt as he finished a day of mowing and weed eating and took a seat on his porch to rest a bit and discuss the Bible with some visitors on Friday, September 18, 2015. After a nice Biblical discussion, he wished his visitors well as they left, and with a sigh of contentment he drew his last breath here upon this earth. Rufus was born in Jewell Ridge, Virginia and was the son of the late, Clarence Perry Gilbert and Chloe Delle Arnold Gilbert. He served his country in the US Army and came home to work in the coalmines and coal tipples. He was Pastor of the Free Pentecostal Church of Murray Hollow for over 40 years, and like a stone that is cast into the water, his rippling effects on the lives of those he touched will last throughout the years. Rufus enjoyed being a bee keeper, he was well known for his delicious honey. He spent time fishing, hunting and working outdoors. God gifted him with a woodworkers hand, he could mold wood into beautiful furniture or just about anything else. But this passion and joy was his family, he was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a lifetime resident of the area and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents he will be greeted in heaven by his loving wife, Shirley T. Alley Gilbert, and his brothers, Cecil Gilbert, Freddie Gilbert and Bill Gilbert. Those who remain to carry on his spirit are: His daughters: Vicki Gilbert of Jewell Ridge, VA Debbie Bush and husband Randy of Castlewood, VA Connie Holmes and husband Scott of Lebanon, VA Sons: Michael Gilbert and wife Barbara of Jewell Ridge, VA Rufus Gilbert, Jr and wife Tina of Richlands, VA Timothy Gilbert of Claypool Hill, VA Mark Gilbert of Jewell Ridge, VA Sister, Judy Vincill of Thompson Valley, VA Brothers: David Gilbert of Tennessee Wayne Gilbert of Jewell Ridge, VA Grandchildren, Paige Gilbert Green, Sydney Gilbert, Sara Gilbert Price, Adam Gilbert, Matthew Gilbert, Alex Gilbert, Clay Gilbert and Jeffrey Holmes. Great grandchildren, Adalynn Gilbert, Isabella Green and Hoytt Price. The Funeral service for Rufus E. Gilbert, Sr. will be conducted at 2:00pm on Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Leon O’Quinn and Rev. Dennis White officiating. Interment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be Chris Alley, Matthew Gilbert, Eric Barton, Doug Sargent, Doug Shepard, and Brandon Green. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening form 6-9 pm. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the conducted by the VFW Post 9640. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of local arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Pastor Rufus Edward "Nook" Gilbert Sr.

January 3, 1935 - September 18, 2015