Richard McKinley Gilbert Jr., 36, of Murphy went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 18, 2024. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Ricky worked with his family doing general construction for the majority of his life. Ricky enjoyed cooking out and family events. He also liked to fish and garden, but he loved spending time with his girls.

He was the son of Richard “Ricky” Gilbert and the late Melissa Falls. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Alyssa Gilbert, who died January of 2024; his maternal grandfather, Carl Falls; and his paternal grandparents, J.T. and Carmen Gilbert.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are a daughter, Maddison Gilbert; two sisters, Samantha Smith and husband, Dustin, and Tiffany Taylor and husband, Joey; a brother, Sage McKinley Gilbert and wife, Ariana; and his maternal grandmother, Clara Deford Falls; six nieces; and two nephews.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 pm Sunday, December 1, 2024 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Reverend Aud Brown officiating. The interment was in Bellview Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were Caleb Passmore, Nathaniel Passmore, Shane Derreberry, Elijah Passmore, Sage Gilbert, Isaiah Passmore, and Isaac Passmore. Honorary pallbearers were Dustin Smith and Joey Taylor.

The family received friends from 2-2:45 pm Sunday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Richard McKinley Gilbert Jr. to Ivie Funeral Home, Inc., PO Box 1160, Murphy, NC 28906 to help the family with final expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.