Dock Gabbert

Derma---Dock Hulett Gabbert, 78, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Born July 30, 1942, in Banner, MS, he was the son of the late Dock Gabbert and the late Rena Robertson Gabbert. He was a 1959 graduate of Bruce High School, and was a devoted member of Derma Baptist Church. He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard, and was retired from Willis Engineering after over 25 years of service as an Engineer. On October 14, 1960, he married the former Gloria Kay Ramage, and they have spent 60 wonderful years together.
Although Dock spent many years as an Engineer, his heart was truly dedicated to being a public servant. He started out in 1967 by serving two years on the Derma Board of Alderman. On July 1, 1969, he became Mayor for the town of Derma, and has held that position for over 51 years, making him the longest-serving mayor in the State of Mississippi. He was very proud of this distinction, and loved his community and the people he served. He has accomplished so much for the town of Derma, and his impact on the community will never be forgotten.
Dock also loved to be outdoors either hunting or fishing. Dock and Judge Tallant enjoyed many hunting trips together that took them all over the United States.
When he was not in the woods or on the water, he could usually be found working in his yard. If his yard didn’t need any work, he would move on to a neighbor’s yard. He was always looking for something to do to keep him outside.
His incredible love for God, his family, his country, and his community was shown through all he did, and the community will always be grateful for his service.
Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gabbert family.
A Graveside Service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at 2:00pm at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Calhoun City. There will also be a visitation time with the family on Sunday from 1:00pm until service time at the cemetery. Bro. Jim Vance will be officiating with interment to follow.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Perry Bailey, Shane Childs, Dean Poyner, Reese Bailey, Joey Gabbert, and Lee Marter.
Honorary Pallbearers will be John Hamilton, Richard Hubbard, Judge Jimmy Tallant, Jamie Howell, A.G. Gibson, Larry Baker, John Mike Hardin, the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class, Mayor James Casey, and Mayor Rudy Pope.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Gloria Gabbert of Derma; daughter, Teresa (David) Martin of Derma; son, Kevin (Cassia) Gabbert of Gulfport, MS; sisters, Mary Ann (Jack) Toddy of Mammouth Springs, AR, Betty Sue Johnson of Suffolk, VA, and Pamela (Rick) Odom of Bruce; brother, Phillip (Becky) Gabbert of Bruce; 3 grandchildren, Dr. Brandon Martin of Bakersfield, CA, Hartlee (Reed) Grice of Durham, NC, and Hayden Gabbert of Gulfport, MS; 4 nieces and 5 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Rena Gabbert; and 2 nephews.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com.