Benjamin “Ben” C. Gilbert Sr., age 92, of Chipley, FL passed away on October 21, 2026 at his residence. He was born on June 22, 1934 in Washington County, Florida to E.F. (Fred) Gilbert and Elia Williams Gilbert.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents and all four siblings. No longer apart, he joins in eternal life his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Nell Peacock Gilbert. Both he and Dot were blessed to experience all of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren grow and create lives of their own, never experiencing the loss of any direct descendants.

Ben was born on and spent most of his life within his beloved Gilbert’s Mill Farm, of which he knew every inch by heart. He was honored to count seven generations having made their home on the farm. The farm meant everything to him, as though it was his third parent and fourth child. In his early years his family relocated to Cottondale, Fl where the family operated Gilbert’s Peanut Mill. He knew everyone in Cottondale during those years and could recount with detail each family’s lineage. He met Dot at a Cottondale High School basketball game in which she represented Graceville High School as a cheerleader prior to both their graduations in 1952. They were married in 1954 living briefly in Cottondale before relocating to Gilberts Mill where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives. Ben was a longtime member of the Oakie Ridge Baptist Church witnessing its evolution from its most early years while reinforcing his belief in God and good. Known by everyone as “Mr. Ben” he was seldom anywhere that he did not meet someone he knew, or knew or their family, and loved to converse at length over varied subjects while remaining ever curious of people and their lives, interested in learning new facts and information, while posing thoughtful questions and providing insightful feedback. Ben was always willing to lead a helping hand to anyone in any way he could, having been a farmer for all of his life he was a encyclopedia of all things farm life including crops, animal husbandry, land and timber management, and even growing catfish. In his later years he enjoyed attending cow shows to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in showing the cattle they bred and trained on the farm while taking pride in their individual accomplishments. During the 1970’s-1990’s he served on the board of directors as chairman of both the REA (Rural Electrical Association) in Graceville, FL and PCA (Panhandle Credit Association) in Marianna, FL. Ben engaged with many people from varied walks of life all while remaining humble, purposefully treating everyone fairly and with respect as well as always giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. He was a great believer of the golden rule and genuinely wished the best for everyone. He will be remembered for being a devoted husband, a supporting and providing father and a loyal friend.

He is survived by his sons: Cliff Gilbert of Lynn Haven, FL; John Gilbert (Nancy) of Chipley, FL; Ralph Gilbert of Dallas, TX. Grandchildren: Cindy Kriser (Clair), Ben Gilbert (Kim), Calie Bowen (Casey) all of Chipley, FL and Crystal Gilbert of Lynn Haven, FL. Great-grandchildren: Lauren Stoutamire, Sarah McDaniel, Vincent Kriser, Shelby White, Chloe Gilbert, Clarissa Evans, and Keelan Bowen. Seven great-great grandchildren: Reid, Beckett, Raylan, Willow, Zeddie, Clair Vincent, Luna.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Oakie Ridge Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Funeral Services to follow at 3:00 P.M. Interment will follow at the Oakie Ridge Cemetery. Reverend Phillip Gainer will be officiating the services.