Clovis "Shorty" Olden Gilbreath

A graveside service for Clovis “Shorty” Olden Gilbreath, 90, of Gainesville, is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday January 12, 2026 in New Resthaven Cemetery with Rev. Hollis Parsons officiating. A visitation will be held at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home on Sunday at 6:00 PM.

Shorty passed away on January 8, 2026 in Sherman. He was born in Cooke County on September 2, 1935 to Barney McCoy and Juanita May (Culp) Gilbreath.

Mr. Gilbreath proudly served in the US Army from 1957 to 1960 in Germany as a tracked-vehicle mechanic and was honorably discharged after suffering a debilitating injury from a fuel tank explosion. He married the love of his life, Julia May Stanley at Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1960.

Despite his injuries, Shorty worked for Parker Electric for over 30 years. He attempted to retire on three different occasions but his talent for the job and passion for hard work prevented him from retirement until his health declined. He was a devoted family man, loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and remained close to his mother until her passing.

Mr. Gilbreath enjoyed fishing when time allowed. He was known for taking long walks and never missed a chance to catch up with his neighbors and friends along his path.

Shorty is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Julia Gilbreath of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Deneen Gilbreath of Gainesville; Ivy (Gilbreath) Hestand of Gainesville; grandchildren: Jeremy Gilbreath and Jennifer, Blake West and Christina, Lauren Gilbreath and Chris, Garret West and Auliya, Ashley Lynn Hestand and Billy, Jakeb Gilbreath, Ashley Archer and Kent; 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Gilbreath was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters: George, Pete, Coy, Barney, and Bonnie Ruth Gilbreath.