Brady Franklin Gilbert

Brady Gilbert, of Cheshire, Ohio entered into the presence of the Lord January 11, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born March 26, 1938, in Grundy, Virginia, son of the late William Garfield and Pearl (Thomas) Gilbert. He was a member and a deacon of Poplar Ridge Free Will Baptist Church.

Brady spent his life building a legacy from the ground up. In 1972, he founded Gilbert’s Garage and Trucking. To those in the industry, Brady was a mentor, leader and a man that could fix it all. When not at home, he could be found in the garage – sometimes breaking things just to rebuild them. To those at home, he was a devoted spouse and loving parent. He will be missed and remembered for the many lives he’s touched.

Brady was married to his best friend and love of his life, Ellen Gilbert, for over 65 years, and she preceded him in death June 6, 2024. They married July 5, 1958, in Cheshire, Ohio and together had four children: Rhonda (Samuel) Sowards, Vinton, Ohio; Rhea (Joe) Freeman, Roberta Payne and Brady (Mendy) Gilbert, Jr., all of Cheshire, Ohio.

Also missing Brady are grandchildren: Paul Reynolds, Joanna Amos, Brittany (Cody) McAvena, Adam Little, Bethany Gilbert and Brandy Gilbert; twelve great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Hershel Gilbert and Keith Gilbert, both of Rodney, Ohio as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents and wife, Brady was preceded in death by siblings: Ann Vacaro, Brenda McCombs, Barbara Terry, Carolyn Spurlock, Roy Gilbert, Homer Gilbert, Gleason Gilbert, David Gilbert, Milford Gilbert and Lannis Gilbert.

A special thank you to the staff at Arbors at Gallipolis for their exceptional compassion and dedication in carrying for Brady.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Poplar Ridge Free Will Baptist Church, Bidwell, Ohio. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire, Ohio. Family and friends may call at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Thursday 4:00 PM-7:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Adam Little, Paul Reynolds, Jr., Jacob Reynolds, Paul Michael Reynolds, Brady Gilbert, Jr., Roberta Payne, Rhonda Sowards and Rhea Freeman.