Obituaries

Martin Greeson "Marty" Gilbert

Photo of Martin Greeson "Marty" Gilbert
Martin Greeson ("Marty") Gilbert Jr., a resident of Rogers, Ark., passed away on March 20, 2017, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark., with his family at his side. Marty was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., on Nov. 28, 1968, the son of Betty Masters Gilbert and Martin Greeson Gilbert Sr. He attended Pine Bluff High School, where he was an honor graduate and a member of the Zebra baseball team that once was ranked the #1 high school baseball team in the nation by USA TODAY. Earlier in his baseball career, he was a member of the Pine Bluff team that won its way to the 13-Year-Old Babe Ruth World Series in Frederick, Md. After high school, Marty attended Vanderbilt University before transferring to the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), where he was a member and officer of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1991, majoring in finance and real estate. He worked in banking and real estate in Rogers and Russellville for several years before beginning his career in the Real Estate Department of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he held several management positions, the last of which was Director of Renewable Energy. After a long leave of absence on medical disability, Marty retired from the company on Oct. 1, 2016, with 20 years of service. Marty is survived by his beloved wife of almost 24 years, his high school sweetheart, Holly Joelle Jacobs Gilbert, whom he married on April 17, 1993. Marty is also survived by his sons of whom he was most proud, Jacobs Masters Gilbert and Hugh Harrison Gilbert, of the home; by his parents Betty and Martin Gilbert of Fayetteville; his brothers Frank Patrick Gilbert II of Fayetteville and Troy Masters Gilbert (Elizabeth) of Austin, Texas; his sister Courtney Gilbert Lane (Cameron) of Leander, Texas; his nieces Georgia Jane and Laurel Gilbert of Austin, Karaleigh Lane (his godchild) of Leander, Anna Jacobs and Kate Rollans of Russellville, and his nephews Henry Gilbert of Austin, Blake and Grant Jacobs of Woodstock, Ga., and Ryan Rollans and Jordan Jacobs of Russellville; in addition to innumerable other relatives, friends and business colleagues throughout Arkansas, the United States and abroad. Marty was passionate about his work and the contributions his team made to Walmart's sustainability goals, but serving as a mentor and culture champion was one of his greatest legacies. Marty had the heart of an adventurer. No matter where his travels took him, at home or abroad, he found a way to explore each city or small town — appreciating every moment he was given. His love for the outdoors was nurtured by his grandfathers who passed on a love of nature through duck hunting and photography. Marty was a longtime sponsor of Benton County Ducks Unlimited and supporter of many organizations he felt passionate about such as American Cancer Society, Komen for the Cure, American Heart Association and Southeastern Guide Dogs. A private service will be held by the family at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers, where Marty will be interred. There will be a Celebration of the Life of Marty Gilbert at Pinnacle Country Club from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, to which all friends of Marty and his family are invited. In lieu of flowers, celebrations of Marty's life may be made by a contribution in Marty's name to any of the above charities or to another charity of the celebrant's choice. The family offers heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Highlands Oncology Group, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas and Circle Of Life Hospice in Bentonville for Marty's exceptional care. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, Ark. Online condolences may be sent to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.

Published March 26, 2017

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