Mr. Michael Wayne Gilbert

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Village Chapel for Michael Wayne Gilbert, 71, of Attalla, who died Sunday, May 15, 2022. Rev. John Wall will officiate. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Everyone acquainted with Wayne knew that he spent a total of 32 years in prison, 17 of those in federal prison. He was convicted of bank robbery, escape, and assault. He received a life sentence from the State of Alabama in 1998. Wayne made parole in 2009, however, he was placed back into federal custody for a violation of parole. He was released on Jan 3rd, 2014, and went into The Foundry re-entry program on January 9th, 2014. Two life-transforming events happened to Wayne while at the Foundry. 1. Pastor Mark’s discipleship class. That class gave Wayne an understanding of God. Mark explained scripture to Wayne in a way that he had never heard before. It was a huge part in Wayne giving his life to Jesus. 2. Wayne was asked to interview with James Jones for the position of kitchen manager. James was a big influence in Wayne’s life, and he helped Wayne take his next steps in his relationship with God. Wayne was baptized and joined a Life Group. Everyone at The Foundry poured into Wayne. Never in his wildest dreams could he have seen his life doing a complete turnaround. The people God put in his life were amazing, and the blessings he received were bountiful. Mr. Gilbert became a certified recovery specialist. He was very involved with prison ministry and was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for Alethia House. His relationships with his family were restored, and his life completely turned around because of The Foundry and the Grace of God. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Gilbert; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby Lee and Rebecca Gilbert; and stepmother, Laura Mae Gilbert. He is survived by his sisters, Martha (Hugh) Douglas and Sue Holley (Vic Kosky); a host of beloved nieces and nephews; and his extended family at C.L.C.C. The Foundry Ministries. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the C.L.C.C. The Foundry Ministries: https://foundryministries.com/donate-today/give-financially/ Pallbearers will be Hugh Douglas, Travis Douglas, David McGuire, Jon Vaughn, Garrett Vaughn, and Tony Turner. Honorary pallbearers will be James K. Jones, Erick Cox, Micah Andrews, Justin Mims, Matthew Lee, Robert Jelks, George Shelton, Terry White, Arthur Willis, and Josh Norris. Special thanks to Enhabit Hospice, especially nurse Stacy Johnson. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at Village Chapel.

Mr. Michael Wayne Gilbert

August 8, 1950 - May 15, 2022