CLAYTON - William "Bill" R. Gilbert Jr. died Tuesday, July 3, 2007. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. today (Saturday, July 7) at First Baptist Church in Clayton, followed by a graveside service at Maple Springs Baptist Church in Louisburg at 3 p.m.

Mr. Gilbert was born in Nash County. He was a career educator and held degrees from Louisburg College, N.C. State University and East Carolina University. He was employed by Johnston County Schools as energy director at the time of his death.

Surviving: his wife, Carol Murray Gilbert; daughters, Lori Ann Gilbert of the home, Lynn G. Johnston (Chris) of Markfield, England; sisters, Jane Capps of Bath, Barbara Alston of Rocky Mount, Faye Decatur (David) of Watha; in-laws, Ruby Murray of Louisburg, Russell and Rebecca Murray of Clayton, Paul and Barbara Hecht of Pleasant Hills, Pa., and Philip and Phyllis Rice of Spring Hope; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Media or Building Fund, 411 N. Fayetteville Street, Clayton, NC 27520; the Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605; or to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Arrangements by McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals & Cremations, Clayton.