Robbie Ancil Gilbert, Sr.

Mr. Robbie Ancil Gilbert, Sr., 68, of Hartsville, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 27th, 2022, while at home.

The family will be receiving friends Sunday afternoon, October 30th, 2022, from 3-5 at Norton Funeral Home.  The family also invites friends to visit with them anytime at the residence, 1103 Newton Drive, Hartsville.  At the request of Robbie, there will be no funeral service.

A native of Hartsville, Mr. Gilbert was a son of the late William Ancil & Betty Bullard Gilbert.  In 1974, Robbie & Debbie moved to Barre, VT, where they lived for 12 years.  During their time in Vermont, Robbie was an IT Manager for New England Healthcare.  He also obtained his pilots license, became a Scuba Diver, and enjoyed being an avid skier.  

The Gilberts returned to Hartsville in 1986 and Robbie umpired for many years with Dixie Youth Baseball.  He served his community by being a member of Darlington County Council for 4 years, representing district 8.  He also served as Governor of the Hartsville Moose Lodge for several years.  

As a computer programmer and software creator, he founded and was President of Gilbert Data Systems.  After attempting retirement and a slower pace of life, he took a part-time position in the Electronics Department of Walmart.  He enjoyed staying active in the community, socializing, and meeting new people.  Robbie loved being able to help others with his invaluable tech skills.  

He was known for his wit, jovial attitude, and big heart.  He often anonymously helped others in need and was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it.  His hobbies involved becoming a self taught solar energy expert and spending every free moment spoiling his 3 pound, fur-baby/daughter, Lizzie.  

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Easterling Gilbert of the home; children, RJ (Sara Beth) Gilbert of Fountain Inn, SC and Laura (Kevin) Koch of Guyton, GA; grandchildren: Cooper Gilbert, Jayden Thomas, and Blake Koch; sister, Joy (David) Watford of Hartsville; and father-in-law, Bobby C. Easterling of Hartsville; special niece, Dedra (Alan) Wiggins of Florence, whom he helped raise; many nieces and nephews; also, close family friends, Becky (Wayne) Atkinson of Hartsville. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Gilbert and a sister, Regina Gilbert Lackey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, 4710 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31404 (www.rmhccoastalemire.org) or to the Darlington County Humane Society, PO Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551.

Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Gilbert family.