Rev. David "Dave" Bryant Gilbert, Sr.

Rev. David “Dave” Bryant Gilbert, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 10, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. A native of Rockingham County, he was born June 16, 1946 to the late Frank and Frances Gilbert. He was married for 55 years to the love of his life, Betty Jo Ward Gilbert with whom he shared a son, David Bryant Gilbert, Jr. Dave was a devoted husband and father who cherished his family.

Dave was a 1964 graduate of Reidsville Senior High School and served as a radio announcer for WFRC in Reidsville for 12 years. He attended Elon University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1969, and went on to teach at Bethany High School for two years before answering the call to ministry. He enrolled at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest graduating with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1976.

Dave served as a pastor of Oak Level Christian Church in Youngsville, NC for six years. In 1979 he answered the call to pastor at Bethlehem Christian Church in Altamahaw, NC where he would serve 35 years before retiring in 2013. During that time, Dave was active not only in the church but in service to the community. He was the area representative for the 4C’s Conference in Minnesota for 10 years, served as adjunct Chaplain at ARMC for 15 years and was Chaplain for the Burlington Fire Department from 1980-2013. He also served as Chaplain for the A-O Fire Department.

Dave lived his life “serving” his Lord and Savior and “sharing the gospel” in whatever way he could. He was known quite well as the “community Pastor” because his love for others reached far beyond the walls of the church. Dave had an enthusiastic love for life and enjoyed people. He never met a stranger and lived his life with compassion and joy. During the last few years, Dave endured many health problems but met each challenge with a smile and a positive attitude making the best of all situations. He loved music, especially Southern Gospel, which helped him through many difficult times. Pastor Dave was indeed “one of a kind” and placed the needs of others before his own. He was a beacon of light for Jesus Christ and a true blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Gilbert of the home; son, David Bryant Gilbert, Jr.; niece, Cynthia Paschal (Keith); great-nephew, Zach; special nephew, Gregory Ward; special bonus granddaughter, Olivia Ward and the family dog, Molly. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Frank Gilbert; sister, Patricia Elliott and a brother-in-law, Fred Wayne Elliott.

A service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at 3:00PM on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Bethlehem Christian Church with the burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:45 prior to the service at the church and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ancora Compassionate Care (Hospice of Rockingham), PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375 or to Gideons International, 50 Century Blvd, Nashville, TN 37214-3672.

To send online condolences, please visit www.lowefuneralhome.com.