Henry Lee "Gil" Gilson, Sr.

Funeral services for Mr. Henry L. “Gil” Gilson will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, July 21, 2025, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Reverend Corey Phillips and Mr. Charles Harper officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites with Military Honors at 1:00 PM at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Gilson, 80, of Meridian, died Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center as a result of an automobile accident in April.

Gil was born in Fitchburg, MA. Upon graduation from Framingham Vocational High School, Framingham, MA, he joined the US Navy during the Cold War.  On his first assignment to NAVFAC Keflavik, Iceland he met and married his wife of Fifty – eight years. During an assignment to NAVFAC Ramey Puerto Rico, he attended Interamerican University and graduated with an AA Degree. He served for over 27 years, retiring as an OTCM (AW) after serving as the Command Master Chief of Training Air Wing One Meridian. After retiring from the US Navy he continued serving his country in Civil Service at NAS Meridian retiring as the Safety Manager with a combined total of 50 years of government service.

During his various assignments he contributed to the community by serving the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and Committee Chairman. Additionally he served as a Volunteer Fireman wit the Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department in Pensacola, FL for two and a half years. His favorite title when dealing with his grandchildren who he dearly loved was “Afi,” the Icelandic word for Grandfather. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife to multiple countries and numerous locations throughout the United States with MCC, Lifetime Quest, Community Bank Golden Advantage, and various other organizations.

He was a  50- year member of the Fleet Reserve Association; he was raised as a Master Mason into Longstreet Masonic Lodge 268 in September 1989 where he served as the Past Master and Treasurer and was a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Southern Jurisdiction, Valley of Meridian. As a former member of Central United Methodist Church, he joyfully was a member of the sanctuary choir for many yeas assisting to bring the message of God through music to the congregation.

Gil is survived by his wife, Kristin S. Gilson; son, Henry L. Gilson, Jr. (Christine); grandchildren, Sydney Gilson and Jared Gilson, as well as a host friends and extended family members.

Mr. Gilson is preceded in death by his parents, Walter L. Gilson, Jr. and Marion D. Woods.

The Gilson Family requests memorials be made as donations to The Covenant Church Congregational Care Team, 4223 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305; The American Diabetes Association; or to the favorite charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences online at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Gilson Family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM prior to funeral rites on Monday, July 21, 2025.