Horace Gilbert

On September 20, 1947 in Columbus, Georgia God saw fit to give to the late Thomas Jefferson Cannon Sr. and Van Esther Cannon a wonderful baby boy, that was given the name Horace Lee Gilbert. He was the oldest of ten siblings. 

He gave his life to the lord and joined Philadelphia Baptist Church at an early age. 

He attended Stewart County High School. He stopped school in the 11th grade to help take care of his siblings. He later returned and completed his high school education. Staff Sergeant Horace Lee Gilbert joined the United States Army, where he served for two years and seven months until his retirement on April 5,1969. He later joined the National Guard in 1972 and was a part of the Charlie Company 2nd Battalion (M), 121st Infantry, until his retirement in 1997. He held many jobs until serving sixteen faithful years with Georgia Department of Correction at Calhoun State Prison. He retired from Calhoun State Prison on September 1, 1994. He was a devoted member of the “Da Bruhs Fishing Club”. His favorite pastime was fishing and playing with his grandchildren.

 He was joined in holy matrimony to Sis. Mary Clay-Burks on August 25, 1990. And with this union they provided, nurtured and care for ten children. 

Preceded him in death was his father and mother; two sisters, Ms. Hattie Joyce Talley and Ms. Donna Rena Cannon. 

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Sis. Mary Gilbert of Cuthbert, GA; seven daughters, Angela (Derrick) Smith of Covington, GA, Felicia (Ty ) Smith of Austell, GA, Shantell (Theotis) Bass, Keronda Burks, Damonia Bass, Kelli Currington all of Cuthbert, GA, Shantoria Bass of Jesup, GA; three Sons, Robert Latimer of Covington, GA, Aundra Clay of Valdosta, GA, Grant (Sebrika) Burks of Bonaire, GA; two sisters, Queen Esther Evans of Columbus, GA, Deborah Williams of Tuscaloosa, AL; five brothers, Thomas Cannon Jr of Lumpkin, GA, Jonathan (Juanita) Cannon of Columbus, GA, Eddie (Aretha Roberts) Cannon of Henderson, NV, Robert Cannon of Aschaffenburg, Germany, James Cannon of Thomasville, NC; two sisters-in-law, Martha (Robert) Preston of Orlando, FL, Dorothy (Charles) Brown of Cuthbert, GA; two brothers-in-law, LC Clay of Warner Robins, GA, Robert Clay of Camilla, GA; two aunts, Juanita Payne and Marilynn Wells; one uncle, Porter (Mildenise) Thomas; thirty-three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many devoted friends. A devoted fishing partner, Mr. Wallace Vaughn. A devoted and loving son-in-law, Mr. Theotis Bass Jr.