Papa Doc

Mary-Clayton’s dad unexpectedly passed away last week, on February 19th. He had been vacationing in Florida with Regina, visiting friends. Dr Tom Gilbert was 60. In the past few years he had lost a lot of weight, returning to good health. I had just arrived back home from small group around 945 pm when Will called us with the news. This one hurts.

I first met my friend Tom Gilbert before W&MC started dating. We hung out together on Anna & Thomas’s school trip, an overnighter at ZooAtlanta. We’ve spent a good deal of time together ever since, including meals at Easters and Thanksgivings. So sad that he won’t be able to grow old. He loved being a grandfather.

He leaves behind wife Regina, his mother Carolyn, three kids, three grandchildren, and three brothers. Death, here is your sting.

Tom’s obituary: Dr. Thomas Paul Gilbert Sr., “Tommy”, 60, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and surgeon passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 19, 2025. A native of Sandy Springs, GA, Tommy was the son of the late Walter Clayton Gilbert Sr. and Carolyn Briggs Gilbert. He grew up with three brothers and greatly cherished his childhood memories. He graduated from North Springs High School in 1982 and was voted “Mr. North Springs” his senior year by peers and faculty. Tommy was strong, intelligent, loyal, and steadfast. Those who knew him were inspired by his humble servant leadership and his unwavering devotion to his family.

Tommy graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Not only did he succeed academically, but many of the friendships he formed there became lifelong. His freshman year at Furman, Tommy met the love of his life, Regina. From the age of 18, Tommy was devoted to Regina and his sense of humor, playfulness, and romance led to a marriage that lasted 37 beautiful years. He was a loving father to three children and “Papa Doc” to three grandchildren. He also proudly took on the role of "Headmaster" at the "Gilbert Academy," while he and Regina homeschooled their children. He was immensely proud of his family and committed to providing for them and supporting them throughout his life. He especially cherished his time playing with his grandchildren, passing on to them his lifelong love of learning and discovery.

Dr. Gilbert received his Medical Doctorate degree and completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, and was Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He served as a Major in the Medical Corps Army Reserves from 1990-2007. He opened Harbin Clinic’s Cartersville General Surgery Practice in 2002 and provided care to generations of families in Bartow County. His commitment to excellence was shown in his devoted care for his patients for over 23 years. He exemplified true servant leadership through his purpose, character, vision, and ability.

Tommy is survived by: his loving wife of 37 years, Regina; children, Anna Gilbert Anello (Zack), Mary-Clayton Gilbert Murphy (Will), and Thomas Paul Gilbert Jr. (Holly); grandchildren, Asher Anello; Shivonne and Melina Murphy; his mother Carolyn Gilbert Abbott (Lewis); brothers, Clay (Rosalind), Daniel (Mary Beth), and Patrick (Brent). He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Clayton Sr.

Services will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at 2:00pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA, with Reverend Monty Watson. . A reception will be held immediately following at Tellus Science Museum (100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120) to receive friends. Dr. Gilbert will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

So many people dying way too early these days, like my friend Mary last year. A guy my age from the Hot Stove meetings. Ceil gave me her blessing to retire. For sure stress is a killer. But this isn’t about me. We will miss you, Tom.