William Floyd Gilbert Jr.

William F. "Bill" Gilbert, Jr, passed away on June 16, 2026. He was born on January 22, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William F Gilbert, Sr and Berenice (Reichle) Gilbert, who preceded him in death. 

Bill graduated from Cincinnati Western Hills High School where he participated in Football, Basketball and Track & Field. He then attended Ohio University and earned his Education Degree. While at OU, he participated on the Football Team and was member of their 1960 College Division National Championship Team (HUNJA). He would later earn a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Specialists Degree from the University of Toledo.

It was at Ohio University that Bill met Mary Lou Harget, who he would marry in February 1962. They were married for 59+ years before she passed away in July 2021. They were blessed with two sons, Greg (Shelly) & Doug (Lisa) Gilbert, who survive. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric (Tori) Gilbert, Erin (David) Cummings, Adam Gilbert, Lucas (Hannah) Gilbert and Morgan Gilbert. Bill has four great-grandchildren: Avery Robbins, Brady Cummings, Tinsleigh & Taytum Gilbert. He is also survived by his sister, Marty Roush-Logue, and several Nieces & Nephews.

At various times Bill was a Teacher, Coach and Administrator at Whitmer High School from 1962 - 1997. While there he taught Physical Education, Health and Social Studies (History) and for a long time was the Dean of Boys. Bill was also a longtime Assistant Coach in both Football and Track & Field; in 1966, Bill was the Head Football Coach at Whitmer. He was inducted into the Whitmer High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Bill was a longtime Cross Country and Track & Field Official in the Toledo area. As an Official, his various roles included serving as a Rules Interpreter and Meet Manager along with Officiating at the State Track & Field Meet for several years. In 2008 he was inducted into the Ohio Track & Field/Cross Country Officials Association (OTFCCOA) Hall of Fame and won their Fred Cope Award. In addition, he was recognized by the Ohio Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (OATFCCC) with their 30-year Longevity Coaching Award. 

In retirement, Bill immensely enjoyed watching the numerous activities of his Grandchildren. To them, he was a "Big Ole Teddy Bear." Being a Cincinnati native, he particularly liked watching Cincinnati Reds Baseball along with the Toledo Mud Hens and Detroit Tigers. He and Mary Lou went on several Cruises after their Retirement from Washington Local Schools. Bill's favorite vacation spot was the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, Tennessee area where he attended several McCarter Reunions (Mary Lou's side of the family) as an "Outlaw". Also in retirement, Bill looked forward to the Tuesday and Thursday Breakfasts with "The Fossils" as he called them. While they may not have solved any of the World's problems, they sure had some good answers.

Thanks to the Ohio Living Swan Creek Nursing Staff and Community for their comforting care towards "Big Bill". In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Washington Local Schools Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com

Friends may visit with the Family on Thursday, June 25 from 10am-12 Noon at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave (west of Corey Rd) where a service will be held at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.