James Fay Gilbert, 98, of Greenville, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. 

Fay was born on April 3, 1928, in Spindale, North Carolina, the son of the late Napoleon B. Gilbert and Ellie Blanton Gilbert.

 He excelled in athletics at Central High School, lettering in baseball, football, and basketball. His accomplishments earned him a partial scholarship to High Point College, where he played on the tennis team. Determined and hardworking, Fay took on numerous jobs to help pay for his education. He often joked that he had painted nearly every building on campus, peeled potatoes for a local doughnut factory, and worked for the Fli-Back Company making rubber balls for paddle ball toys. 

After graduating, Fay managed the YMCA in Greensboro, North Carolina. He later moved his family to Greenville, South Carolina, where he began a successful 45-year career in pharmaceutical sales. 

His industrious spirit extended well beyond his professional life. He refereed church basketball games for many years and loved sharing stories from his time on the court, often laughing as he recalled that some of his calls occasionally caused “nice church-going people to not act like very good Christians.” 

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fay remained active and continued playing tennis well into his eighties. 

In 1949, Fay met Shirley Jean Griffin at a public swimming pool in High Point, North Carolina. When asked how he caught her attention, he would proudly say, “I made a real fancy dive.” Their meeting led to marriage on December 23, 1949, and a loving union that lasted 54 years. 

Fay was also known as a wonderful dancer. At the age of 95, he created one final cherished memory when he shared a dance with his granddaughter at her wedding, delighting family and friends with all of his signature moves. 

He is survived by his children, Alan Gilbert (Bonnie), Marty Gilbert (Janet), Tracy Marley (Dave), and son-in-law Ed Noe; grandchildren Kelly (Sammy), Kasey (Kevin), Caroline (Zach), Ross (Liza), and Jordan (Frank); great-grandchildren Griffin, Noe, Porter, Harrison, Georgia, Annie Crawford, Charlie, and Bobbie; and siblings Howard Gilbert and Louise Sigmon. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Griffin Gilbert; daughter, Terry Noe; great-grandson, Ross S. Marley Jr.; brother, Clyde Gilbert; sister, Mildred Hudson; and his parents, Napoleon and Ellie Blanton Gilbert. 

A celebration of Fay's life will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, in the spring of 2027. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Buncombe Street Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Turner of Crescent Hospice, Senior Helpers, and caregivers Amy, Mary, Temaka, Cookie, Domonique, Alona, and Helena for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. 

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. Memorial messages may be shared with the family at www.jhenrystuhr.com.