Fred C. Gilbert Jr. of Saluda NC died Sunday August 28 2005 at the St. Luke's Hospital.Mr. Gilbert was born in Newberry a son of the late Fred C. and Vivian McNeill Gilbert. He was the retired owner and manager of Gilbert Orchids in Saluda.Mr. Gilbert was a US Army veteran of the Korean War where he served as a Tank Commander while stationed in Germany. He was a member of Saluda Methodist Church the Western North Carolina Apple Growers Co-operative and the North Carolina Apple Growers Association.Mr. Gilbert is survived by his wife Narvice Cousins Gilbert of the home; a daughter and son-in-law Cassie G. and Tim Conner of East Flat Rock NC; two sons Wendell F. Gilbert and Randall C. Gilbert both of Saluda NC; and two granddaughters Megan C. Davis and Heather A. Conner both of East Flat Rock NC. He was predeceased by his sister Rebecca Turner.Graveside funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Wednesday in Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry SC by the Rev. Virgil Hull.Visitation was from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.Active pallbearers were Wendell Gilbert Randall Gilbert Ronnie Gilbert Bill Hawkins Alan Gilbert Mark Turner Edward Turner James Turner and Michael Turner.Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry is assisting the family.