Edward Clark Gilbert, Jr., 75, of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022. He was born to the late, Edward Sr and Mary (Holt) Gilbert, on Saturday, August 9th, 1947, in Nashville, Arkansas.

Ed will be remembered as a hard, disciplined man on the outside with a soft heart.  His sheer stature and posture commanded respect. Being a man of relatively few words, when he spoke others listened. He maintained high expectations for himself and others. He was firm in his beliefs and values, stubborn, fiercely independent, and never one to be perceived as a burden to others.

The oldest of 3 boys, he made sure his twin brothers knew he was the older, bigger, brother – and was capable of putting them in their place.

Ed was a graduate of Lewisville High School (Lewisville, AR) in 1965 and Henderson State College (Arkadelphia AR), in 1969.

He served in the infantry during the Vietnam War from 1970-1972, achieving the rank of rank of Captain prior to his return to civilian life in 1975, completion of his master's in accounting from the University of Arkansas in 1976, and ultimately received his CPA certification and license in 1978.

His career was a ladder of increasing responsibility and titles in various capacities in the banking and financial industry. He used his academic and professional skillset to support not only for-profit institutions, but also several non-profit and educational institutions throughout his career.  He took pride in his work, and consistently held a level of professionalism that would be hard to match today.

Ed's generosity cannot be understated. Not only did he donate his professional time and talents to various non-profits as president, treasurer, or board member, he freely gave financial resources to his church, family, friends, and other organizations with just cause that supported the activities and values he so strongly believed in.

Ed was a loyal and dedicated family man who worked tirelessly to ensure he was able to provide for his wife of 37 years and son, Chris.

Ed was a proud father and would often be seen with a camera and large zoom lens in hand to capture all of Chris' sporting events. Ed was an even prouder grandfather – always checking in to make sure the grandkids were staying in line with mom and dad, and giving their best efforts in school, sports, and other activities.  He loved to hear their stories and celebrate their accomplishments, often doting upon them verbal praise, and occasional monetary incentive, to encourage future successes.

Ed had a passion for and immense knowledge of cars and went great lengths to maintain his vehicles in showroom-ready condition. His blue 1967 Camaro 327 3-speed manual was always the car he wished he held onto. He has since passed that passion about cars to his grandson, Chasen.

In retirement, he enjoyed daily walks through the trails of Bella Vista, traveling to see family between Montrose, Colorado, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Russellville, Arkansas.  He frequently pet-sat for family and neighbors, kept up with daily financial markets and the economy, designed and drafted residential homes for fun, and enjoyed big breakfasts, southern-style home-cooked foods, and BBQ.

Ed was a grounded optimist. Even as complications with his cancer worsened in his last weeks, he reluctantly permitted someone to do his laundry "only temporarily".  Truly, a fighter to the end.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 37 beautiful years, Donna Kaye Gilbert.

He is survived by his son, Jon Chris and daughter-in-law, Lara Ann Gilbert; two grandsons, Brendan Edward Gilbert (16) and Chasen Davis Gilbert (12); two brothers, Jimmy Goodwin Gilbert and wife, Lynette, and James Holt Gilbert and wife, Ginger; along with numerous other family and friends who all love him and will miss him greatly.

Ed's celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 14th, 2022, from 12:00-12:50 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home with burial at 1:00 P.M. at Forest Hills Cemetery.

To sign his online guestbook, please visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

Services provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.