JOHNSTON CITY – Gilbert E. Fletcher, 97, formerly of Johnston City, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, in Antioch, Tennessee.

Services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 7, in Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City, with the Reverends Matt Crain, Norman Richards, and Dean Guye officiating. Burial will be in Dillingham Cemetery, east of Johnston City. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Gilbert was born February 20, 1912, in rural Williamson County near Droit City, the youngest child of Oscar and Elizabeth (Tucker) Fletcher. He was a  hard-working farmer until his late 80s and a faithful husband and caregiver to Eunice his wife of over 49 years. He married Eunice (Beers) Milligan, Dec. 24, 1957 in Johnston City, and she preceded him in death, June 28, 2007.

His surviving family includes his son Keith Fletcher and wife Sarah of Antioch, Tennessee, Larry Milligan and wife Pat of Johnston City, Amonda Miller of Rialto, California, and Linda Riggs of Marion. His 10 grandchildren include Hannah, Jesse and Aaron Fletcher, Cami (Milligan) Hovda, Jason Milligan, Lisa (Milligan) Nicholson, Jim Miller Jr., Susan, Clarence and Kathleen Baker. He also leaves 14 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers (John, Delos, Homer, and Jesse Fletcher); two sisters (Eunial Guye and Mabel Heflin); half-brother Ray McConnell and stepson Gary Milligan. In his youth, Gilbert was pitcher and catcher on community baseball teams and an amateur barber for those in his neighborhood. In later years, he loved to travel and spend time with his family. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Johnston City, where he once served as usher.

To sign the guest register or for more information, visit www.murmanandwilson.com.