George Wesley Gilbreath

George W. Gilbreath January 26, 1942 – June 9, 2023 George Wesley Gilbreath, 81, of Crossville passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Albertville after a brief illness. George was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Rita Strickland Gilbreath; parents, Marcus Lee (M.L.) and Nellie Jo Perry Gilbreath; sister, Lynn Gilbreath Bornemann; mother-in-law, Beatrice Strickland Bruce; brothers-in-law, Joe Hawkins and Bobby Jim Strickland. He is survived by his daughters, Maggie Suzanne Smith (Kenneth), Nancy DeShazo (Jason), and Marsha Gilbreath; Grandchildren, Ben Word (Alison), Jesse Watson (Cynthia), Wesley Watson, Will Watson, Julio Watson (Millie), Devin Watson, Shakira Watson, Raven Watson, Katelynn Watson, Joanna DeShazo, Rachel DeShazo, Christopher Smith (Courtney), Eden Hairston (Colton), Marcos Vega, and Judith Baratz (Stephen); Great-grandchildren, Oliver Word, Therin Word, Walker Smith, Marleigh Smith, Paxton Smith, and Mila Baratz; siblings, Barry Gilbreath (Judy), Jane Gilbreath Knight (Jerry); brother-in-law, Len Bornemann; sister-in-law, Linda Hawkins; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. George was raised in Crossville and a member of the Crossville Class of 1960. He served in the United States Air Force from 1962 until 1966 and married Rita upon returning home from service. He was employed by Siemens-Allis in Gadsden for 18 years, followed by 10 years with the USDA. He was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed raising cattle, baling hay, and helping with his parents’ huge garden. George supported his girls’ activities and enjoyed volunteering with the Crossville Band Boosters. He was an excellent caregiver to his parents and Rita at the end of their lives, where he demonstrated daily what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 13 at 2:00pm at Mt. Flat Baptist Church in Crossville. The family will receive visitors at the church from 12:00-2:00pm prior to the service. He will be buried in the Crossville Community Church Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Brother Joe Davis, and his grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice or the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. Crossville Memorial Chapel Directing.

George Wesley Gilbreath

January 26, 1942 - June 9, 2023