Jason Elwood Gilbert

Jason Gilbert, 43, of Selma, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, SGT Elwood Gilbert Sr. and Nellie “Nana” Stein; maternal grandmother, Annie Merle Whaley; stepfather, Danny Keith Canady; uncles, Eugene Gilbert and Sherrill Whaley; aunt, Jackie Verzaal Boss; and cousin, Scotty Whaley.

Jason was born on April 27, 1982, in Wake County, to Joni Whaley Canady, of Selma, NC, and Elwood Gilbert Jr, of Chipley, Florida. Jason attended Smithfield-Selma Senior High School with the Class of 2000; however, he graduated from a Military School, NC Tarheel Challenge Academy, in June of 2000. Afterward, he continued his education at Johnston Community College in Smithfield until he decided to pursue his passion and dreams for driving big trucks. He retained this passion from his younger years while riding with his Uncle Bennie Parrish, of Benson, up and down the East Coast.

Jason enjoyed life and loved driving 18-wheelers, as well as trying new foods and restaurants. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and making memories with his children and spouse as often as possible.

Jason is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Tina Gilbert; four sons, William “Little Chris” James, of Williamston, Brian C. Gilbert, of Smithfield, Ricky Scott Jr, of Selma, and Jordan S. Gilbert, of Selma; two daughters, Brianna L. Zinn and husband Steven, of Middlesex, and Victoria L. Gilbert, of Smithfield; and one brother, Christopher D. Canady and wife Christy, of Selma. He also leaves behind four “Grand-Boys”, as he would say; Jacob and Greyson Craft, of Smithfield, and Kaden and Mason Zinn, of Middlesex. They were all “Pa’s boys” when he was around. Special friends and family members are Christopher and Tracy Williams, of Middlesex; his Aunt Connie Stein Kring, of Tucson, AZ; Jeff Norris “Bossman”, of Smithfield; and Lennis Thorpe “JuneBug”, of Clayton.

The family will be receiving visitors on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow the visitation, beginning at 7:00pm.

The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Parrish Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses during this difficult time.