William Earl Gilbert

Published in Mississippi Press on January 31, 2010

William Earl Gilbert-59 passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at his home in Pascagoula. He was born November 18, 1950 in Haleyville, Alabama.

Earl set several homerun and strikeout records while playing Dixie Youth baseball in Pascagoula in the mid 1960's. Some of his records still stand today. He was a standout pitcher from 1967-69 for Pascagoula High School where he lead the Panthers to two state baseball championships. After high school Earl signed a professional contract with the Seattle Pilots and spent several years in the Pilots minor league system before returning home to Pascagoula.

He was employed as a planner with Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems. He was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Clinton Earl Gilbert.

Earl is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Dixie and Ricky Cain of Vancleave; two grandsons, T.J. Lewis and Tanner Cain; mother, Mrs. Mildred Gilbert of Pascagoula; brothers, Jerry Gilbert and Robert Gilbert both of Pascagoula and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 from 12:00 until 2:00PM at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point. Funeral services will follow at 2:00PM from the funeral home chapel.

Interment will be in Johnson Cemetery in Wade. Pallbearers will be Chris Gilbert, Scott Gilbert, Brian Gilbert, Casey Gilbert, Richard Pugh and Steve Lippie.

Arrangements by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, Mississippi. An online register is available at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com.