George Louis “Gil” Gilbert, age 92, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, in El Dorado. He was born November 11, 1932, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Octis and Velma Gilbert.
Gil was US Army veteran and attended Faith Assembly of God in El Dorado. He worked as a production control manager for General Cable before entering the restaurant business, where he managed the El Dorado McDonald’s for many years. Later, he and his beloved wife, Wanda, co-owned and operated Hokies, continuing their tradition of service and hospitality. Together, Gil and Wanda were pillars of the El Dorado community, supporting and mentoring countless young people through McDonald’s, Little League, Wildcat football, and Gil’s leadership with the March of Dimes.
Gil’s greatest joys were his family, a good meal, listening to Elvis Presley, and cheering for Seattle Mariners baseball. Within the last month, the Mariners were just one win from the World Series, and Keith and Wade took him to Outback Steakhouse and to see his favorite Elvis impersonator, Dean Z, in Hot Springs. He reflected on it being a great day and what a way to go out.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Wanda Gilbert; his parents; sisters Sybil and Tommye; in-laws Otis and Viola Maze; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Donzel Tomlinson; sister-in-law Faye Maze; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Norman and Cathyrine Maze; and great-grandson Caden Raley.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter Kim Stell of El Dorado; sons Keith Gilbert (Noel) of Florida and Wade Gilbert (Sarah) of El Dorado; godson Chris Maes of Florida; god-daughter Rachel West Kenning of Utah; grandchildren Wendy Raley (Cody), Britney Snell (Scott), and Ryan Stell (Christy), all of El Dorado; Tyler Gilbert (Emmy) and Logan Gilbert (Aviles) of Florida; and Aidan Waldorf and Alexis Rowland of El Dorado. Great-grandchildren include Cyler, Cason, and McKenna Raley; Logan Snell; Andrew Cameron and Payton Jacob, all of El Dorado; Nolan and Henry Gilbert of Florida, and many nieces.
Gil was also blessed with the special friendship of several “poker buddies” throughout the years including Wesley and Chris Hodges and Joe Gallea, as well as his local Mariners baseball friend, Greg Davis.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of South Arkansas Regional Hospital for their compassion and care during Gil’s final days.
An informal Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s, followed by a private family burial at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Gilbert family.
