Joel Elvis Gilbert

Joel Elvis Gilbert, 81, of Jasper, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Joel, lovingly called “Poppa” by his grandchildren and friends at The Trace Church, was born on January 2, 1941, to Elvis and Eula Gilbert in Guin, and he spent his early years in Mobile and Northport.

Joel is a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and attended Abilene Christian University in Texas and the University of Alabama.  He was a career salesman, spending more than 20 years working at the Coleman Company, where he earned Salesman of the Year in 1992.

On February 11, 1989, Joel married his wife, Melisa, and they were especially known for truly cherishing one another.  Together they enjoyed keeping up their lake house on Smith Lake, tailgating at Alabama football games, worshiping among church friends, caring for many beloved pets, and raising and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Joel is remembered for his warm spirit, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.  A loving husband, father, and grandfather, many community members also claimed him as their own “Poppa.”  Joel, too, was quite handy, and if he wasn’t in the middle of a project, he was planning one.

Joel was foremost a sincere and committed follower of Jesus, and was a daily, dedicated student of Scripture.  He was fiercely devoted to the physical and spiritual care of his family and friends.

Joel is survived by his wife of 33 years, Melisa Gilbert; sons Greg Gilbert (Lynn) of Atlanta, and Drew Crawford (Katie) of Birmingham; grandchildren Regan and Bryce Gilbert, and Jane Darby, Rose, Sally, and Ben Crawford; and uncle Jim Gilbert of Haleyville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvis and Eula Gilbert, and his sister, Doris Todd.

A memorial service for Joel will be held Saturday August 27, at The Trace Church in Jasper, 601 The Mall Way, with visitation at 1 p.m. and funeral service following at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tim Tebow Foundation or Childhaven Child Home in Cullman in memory of Joel Gilbert.