Samuel Clifford "Sammy" Gilbert Jr.

Samuel "Sammy" Clifford Gilbert Jr., 75, of Magazine, Arkansas, passed from this world on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Booneville, Arkansas. He was born August 5, 1949, to Sam and Naomi (Callahan) Gilbert in Paris, Arkansas.
Although he was born and passed away within a 20-mile radius, do not be deceived. He has traveled extensively across this land and even ventured overseas.
Sammy was engaged in row crop farming and cattle ranching. He spent many years driving a truck across the country. Additionally, he was a heavy equipment operator and owned a trucking business.
However, his life was not solely about work; Sammy pursued various hobbies throughout the years. Among these were racing cars at Tri-State Speedway on Saturday nights, while during the week, he could be found at the Domino Hall. Later, he returned to horseback riding and discovered he had a talent for roping, prompting him to construct an arena. He never approached anything in a half-hearted manner.
When he was not occupied with work or leisure, he faced significant health challenges, battling severe illnesses. He triumphed over Valley Fever and cancer multiple times. Nevertheless, the toll of these struggles and a hard lifestyle eventually took their effect on him.
A fighter until the very end, he remains a legend in our eyes.
He is preceded in death by his son, Samuel "Bert" Gilbert; parents, Sam and Naomi Gilbert; sister, Mary Finney; and brothers, Richard "Pokey" Gilbert, Danny Gilbert, and Jimmy Gilbert.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Roberts Memorial Chapel, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
Samuel is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Ann Gilbert of the home; daughter, Amy Askins (Shawn) of Magazine, Arkansas; son, Justin Iames (Kim) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; granddaughters, Payton Gilbert and Emma Askins; great grandson, Grady Jones; a sister, Nancy Davis of Branson, Missouri; and a swarm of Cowboy Buddies.
Honorary Pallbearers: Red Bailey, Larry Wayne James, Owen Yandell, Cody Sing, Josh Gordon, Shawn Askins, and Louis Ahrns.
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