of Harrison, AR
June 13, 1943 - April 1, 2014
Danny Gilbert, age 70 of Harrison, died April 1, 2014 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. He was born June 13, 1943, in Paris, Arkansas, the son of Sam and Naomi (Callahan) Gilbert. Danny is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Clifford Tomlinson.
Danny was a long time member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church. He graduated from Booneville High School and went on to Arkansas Tech University where he played football and received many football honors including All AIC, NAIA, All American in '64 and again in '65 when he was drafted by the L.A. Rams. After graduating from Arkansas Tech with a degree in education, he pursued his Master's Degree from Arkansas State University and a Specialist Degree from the University of Arkansas. During his career in education he served as a Football Coach, Athletic Director, Driver's Education Instructor, Assistant Principal of Harrison High School and Principal of Harrison High School. He was an inductee to the Goblin Hall of Fame, Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction, and served as a member of the Arkansas Tech Alumni Board.
Danny is survived by his wife of forty eight years, Nancy (Tomlinson) Gilbert of the home; mother-in-law, Ruby Tomlinson of Harrison; sisters, Nancy Davis and husband, Jerry Davis, of Branson, Missouri; and Mary Finnie, of Ft. Smith; Brothers, Jimmy Gilbert and Sammy Gilbert, of Magazine, Richard Gilbert, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and a host of other family and dear friends throughout the state and community.
Funeral Service was Friday, April 4, 2014, at Eagle Heights Baptist Church, with Glen Crenshaw officiating.
Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery.
An open visitation was at Roller Christensen Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Brett Davis, Drew Davis, Sean Davis, Jack Witty, Jim Witty, Bill Witty and Marc Davis.
Honorary pallbearers were teammates of the Arkansas Tech WonderBoys.
Memorials may be may to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Rd, Harrison, AR 72601, Gideon's P.O. Box 140800 | Nashville, TN 37214 or charity of your choice.
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25 Condolence(s)
Keith Spooner
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Hi Coach, I know this is late, but I just found out. Thank you very much for being my coach in 76. Thank you for giving me direction in my life, although you put that board across my backside a cpl of times, it was for my good, LOL I know I said it didn't hurt that much , but I fibbed. RIP COACH.
Carolyn Cody Stewart
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Condolences to Nancy and all of the Gilbert family for your loss. I knew Danny at Tech during the early 60's, and he was always such a gentlemen with a lovely smile. God bless you all.
Pauline Wilcox reeves
Friday, April 4, 2014
He was a nice man and a great principal. He even taught me to drive. He will be missed. Sympathy to the family.
Susan Harris Horton
Friday, April 4, 2014
There are people we meet in life who are so wonderful they become a lasting positive influence affecting the rest of our lives. Nancy, you and Danny shared your love and influence with my brother, Bobby. If we were able to choose who would become our parents, I know Bobby would have chosen Danny for his dad! What a giant of a man with a giant heart. Because of your kindness and love toward my brother and family, you and Danny will always occupy a very special place in my heart. Sending much love with an equal measure of gratitude for sharing your lives with each of us. With sincere sympathy in your loss of Danny.
Chris and Cheryl Sharp
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Coach Gilbert's passing, We extend our prayers and sympathy to the family and friends.
Robbie Fletcher
Thursday, April 3, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Nancy & family. Coach Gilbert taught me how to drive in drivers ed in Newport. Every time that my group drove Coach Gilbert made us laugh so hard our sides hurt. Thanks Coach & God Bless.
Scarlett Biggs Wilson
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Danny was a good person. Angels in Heaven greet him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
David McCaleb
Thursday, April 3, 2014
He was the heart and sole of the harrison scholl district. And will be missed by his former teammates and players and Eli Roomsburge is at the nursing also sends his condolences
Lyle and Shirley
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Nancy, Shirley and I are so sad for your loss.. Danny was a special person and I enjoyed working with him we had some unique experiences with drivers ed. Lyle and Shirley
Raymond & Bennie Sue Massey
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Dear Nancy & family: We are so sorry to hear about Danny. We wish we could come, but circumstances are not with us. We love you and have such fond memories of Danny and our lake trips and ball games. I know he suffered so much lately and know he is not suffering now. Hopefully we can see you soon.
Bennie Sue and Raymond
Class of 1974
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Prayers from the Newport Greyhounds and the NHS Class of 1974.
Pat Nichols
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Nancy, Your classmates care. We love you. God bless.
Randy Williams
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I came to know Coach and Mrs. Gilbert in Newport. Coach had a way of making us want to work harder. Mrs. Gilbert taught World History. Both were loved by all. You both taught us many lessons that we shall never forget. Thank you both and may God be with you, Mrs. Gilbert.
Wanda Crouch
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Nancy, Our prayers are with you at this sad time in your life. Danny was a joy to be around and was such an inspiration for his students. I didn't know he was born in Paris, Arkansas, as that was where I was born the year after him. We pray that God grants you strength and peace. Sending you my love. Ron and Wanda Crouch
Commie Loggains
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Coach was a good man and he touched many young lives. May God give you peace and comfort to your family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
phil phillips
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Many great memories of a truly good man.
phil
Price Holmes
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thought and prayers to Mrs Nancy and the family. Coach Gilbert was one of my High School coaches in Newport and helped lead us to the State Championship football game in 1972. He was a big man with a big heart.
Danny Loggains
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I played football for Coach Gilbert in Newport.
He came to Newport as a big red-headed young man in 1969, I believe was the year. He was the biggest man I had ever seen at the time and we were all scared of him.
By the time I was a senior in 1972, I realized he was a special person . He influenced my life in many ways.
It's funny, I just talked to my wife Joyce a few days ago about him and told her that I had been thinking about him.
God Bless You And Your Family Coach!!!
Betty Recoy
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I remember Mr. Gilbert very well. He was a very good principle and was always willing to listen and help his students. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everybody. I know that he will be missed greatly. His family is in my prayers.
Paul & Hazel Layton
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Nancy, and the other family members.
Joe Stocks
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Health problems prevent me from being there, but am in spirit. We'll miss you Boone.
Susan K. Parkinson
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I fondly remember Coach Gilbert. He was a great Driver's Ed. teacher as well as leader for our Athletes. But, what I love, and respect him for the most is, he is one of the few people that treated my mom with respect at her work. Coach will know of what I speak... I will always admire him for that, and my mom held him in just as high regard, along with Miss Nancy. Coach Gilbert impacted so many lives at Harrison High School because he CARED... so few do anymore. He will always be a great man to me. Much love to you Miss Nancy, we will all miss him so very much.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you.
Susan Parkinson
Mannheim Germany
Harrison High School Class of 1980
Gerald Daily
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the family with the loss of Danny.He was a good friend and a good person that cared for his players,students,and faculty.It was a pleasure to work for him and with him.May God be with you and may His peace and comfort be with you during this time.Coach Gerald Daily
Meryl
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
"With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”" Rev. 21:3, 4. Job 33:25. "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." I'm very sorry for your lose. May God's words seek to comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Meryl
Hurley and Betty Young
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
We share your sorrow.
Prayers and blessings.
Hurley and Betty