Joseph Allen Gilbert, age 77, of Summerville, SC, formerly of Newberry and Hopkins, SC, died Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Bon Secours – St. Francis Hospital in Charleston. He was surrounded by his family and friends as he entered eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joe, also known by some as Allen, was born in Newberry, SC, and graduated from Newberry High School before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. After returning from the war, he worked at Oxner's Flying Service in Whitmire, SC, performing aircraft maintenance and repair. Allen met his wife of 45 years, Kathryn, on a blind date while he was working at the U.S. Plywood company in Silverstreet, SC. They married on November 27, 1976, and soon after moved to Hopkins, SC, to begin his career at the 169th Maintenance Squadron of McEntire Air National Guard Station in Eastover, SC. While in the SC Air National Guard, he deployed to Saudi Arabia to serve in the Gulf War. He served for a total of 35 years and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant, Aircraft Engine Mechanic Supervisor. Joe was an active member of Beulah Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. He also enjoyed coaching youth soccer. Joe loved meeting new people, socializing, and sharing his faith with everyone in his path. He was a dedicated husband, a wonderful father, a loving uncle, adored grandfather, and genuine friend. In the beginning of a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, Joe was blessed with his first grandchild, Parker, whom he had prayed for intently. Joe and Parker spent many days together outside playing in the yard, fishing, and creating artwork. Joe appreciated the beauty of nature and enjoyed watching the birds and taking pictures of sunsets. He considered himself blessed every single day of his life regardless of the challenges he faced, reminding us in every conversation that "God is Good." Joe is survived by his wife, Kathryn Ragland Gilbert, his children, Marianne Gilbert Nelson (Andrew) of Summerville, David Charles Gilbert (Jessica) of Columbia, and Harrison Lee Gilbert (Amy) of Gaffney; a brother, David Lee Gilbert (Donna) of West Columbia; grandchildren Parker, Reese, Campbell, Lydia, John David, Hannah, Connor, and Clay; nieces Davette Gilbert, Rebecca Sauras, Susannah Pallepogu; nephews Will Ragland, Ben Ragland, Christian Ragland; and a special caregiver, Kimberly Weindel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beaufort and Martha McCombs Gilbert, and a nephew, Shannon Gilbert. Services will be held by Pastor Ken Addison and Pastor Cameron DeBrew on Thursday, July 14, 2022, 11:00 AM at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 13, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ and/or Beulah Baptist Church, 9487 Garners Ferry Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Messages of memory and condolence may be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Gilbert family.