Dr. Stewart Dixon Gilbert

Dr. Stewart Dixon Gilbert, Sr., age 81, of Tifton, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Royston, Georgia, on October 13, 1943, to the late Reverend Wyatt Malcolm and his wife Susie Irene Hightower Gilbert. Stewart was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Charles Fagan, his brother and sister-in-law, Wyatt Malcolm (WM) Gilbert, Jr. and Patsy Whitworth Gilbert, and his niece, Cindy Gilbert.

A dedicated athlete in his youth, Stewart was a star football player during his high school years in Lavonia, Georgia. His senior year brought a move to Hiawassee, Georgia, where he graduated from Towns County High School in 1961. Stewart went on to attend Young Harris College for two years before transferring to Mercer University, where he graduated in 1965, both as a Mercer Bear and as a newlywed. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Allen, on August 1, 1964.

Following graduation, he pursued his passion for medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. After completing medical school, Dr. Gilbert undertook a residency in radiology at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. In 1975, he accepted a position as a radiologist at Tift Regional Hospital, where he worked alongside esteemed colleagues such as Dr. Wilmer Holloway, Dr. Ray Evans, and Dr. Kelly Douglas. Known for his kindness and lively spirit, Dr. Gilbert appreciated the camaraderie he shared with his techs and staff at Tift Regional.

Outside of his distinguished medical career, Stewart was an active participant in his community. He spent countless hours engaged in activities such as coaching little league baseball, playing tennis at ABAC, playing bridge and spades, assisting with swim meets, trying out motorcycles and spending quality time with his children. He enjoyed sailing and relished the moments cheering on his grandchildren at various sporting events such as dance, soccer, baseball, football, pole vaulting and cross-country. 

After 27 years in radiology, Doc aka as “Stew” embraced retirement with zest. He took up hunting, fishing, golfing, and farming, where he nurtured new friendships and developed a deep love for the outdoors. His later years were enriched by traveling the country in a motor home with his beloved wife and dear friends, exploring the beautiful sights of America.

Stewart's contributions extended beyond his medical profession; he served on the Ameris Bank Board for 26 years and held the position of President of Spring Hill Country Club for two terms, fostering growth in membership during his tenure. A committed member of the Searchers Sunday School Class at Tifton First Methodist Church, he valued his faith and community.

Stewart is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol Allen Gilbert, and their beloved fur baby, Lucy. He is also mourned by his children, Tonya (Ben) Tanner, Heather Compton, and Dixon Gilbert (Vasile Rescenco), alongside his cherished grandchildren: Rachael Childers, John (Hannah) Tanner, Heather Childers, Mason (Jacey) Compton, Ross Tanner, and Sophie Compton. Additional family members include his brother James Carl (Janice) Gilbert, sisters-in-law Sheila Allen (Glenn) Eller and Janet Allen, brother-in-law Bill (Trudy) Allen, partner of his brother WM, Jean Hopkins, and many nieces and nephews.

Stewart lived a life he loved with no regrets, always ready with a tale to tell, a joke to share, and a warm welcome for all. He cherished his family deeply and took immense pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. As a gentle soul who cared for others, he believed in offering help without seeking recognition. The loss of this remarkable man will be profoundly felt, and heaven has surely gained one of the best. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, online at www.heart.org, Hospice of Tift Area, 618 Central Ave, Tifton, GA 31794, or Tifton First Methodist Church, 107 W 12th St, Tifton, GA 31794.

A Celebration of Dr. Gilbert’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the sanctuary of Tifton First Methodist Church at 2:00 P.M. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 1:45 P.M. at the church before the service.

In addition to the service in Tifton there will be a memorial service at a later date in Hiawassee, Georgia, Towns County.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the memorial service.