Mr. Harley Ralph Gilbert

Harley Gilbert, 84, Passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024. Harley was born in Laing, West Virginia and grew up in Cabin Creek, West Virginia the son of a coal miner. His mom Orvalene and Dad John, raised 5 boys. Harley was the middle child. In his teens, his family moved to Olive Hill, Kentucky where Harley graduated High School. Upon graduation Harley enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served for 3 years, attaining the rank of Corporal. After his discharge Harley was invited to travel up to Long Island, New York with a marine buddy to stay with his friend's family. He quickly found work doing construction and concrete work and was then hired by the Long Island Lighting Company, the local power company, becoming a lineman and working for 36 years. Shortly after arriving on Long Island, Harley would meet his bride, Patricia (Park) and they would welcome their son Barry to the world. Harley and Pat's marriage would last 61 years until his death. For 25 years, Harley and Pat resided in Guntersville, where Harley would build his dream home, much with his own hands-on Browns Creek, on the lake where he would fish every day for 25 years, fulfilling his second love. When it came to Guntersville, one look and Harley was hooked. Word around the lake is that the fish are not mourning for Harley. Harley had 20 nieces and nephews on his wife's side and 5 brothers-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law's. To many of them he was known as "Uncle Gil". He also had a mother-in-law, Mayta Park, who he called "Mom". It was on Long Island that Harley became a life-long Nascar fan, as brothers-in-law Bobby and Bill Park would find success in Nascar Modifieds, and nephew Steve would move south to drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Harley is also survived by many buddies in Guntersville's famous (or infamous) morning coffee group that now meets mornings at Jack's on Rt. 431, also known by some as "The Liar's Club". Harley loved his buddies in his group where discussion of the news of the day, local goings-on, and some well-worn jokes can be heard. Want to know the true meaning of "Big Fish Story"? Head to Jack's any morning during the week. Due to the recent loss of a few members, new participants are always welcome. Harley was the last survivor of his mom and dad's five boys. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia of Guntersville and his son, Barry in New York. On Harley's side, he is survived by 4 nieces and 1 nephew in West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina.

Mr. Harley Ralph Gilbert

March 16, 1940 - May 3, 2024