Gilbert Ornduff Obituary

Gilbert Branson Ornduff

October 23, 2025

ELIZABETHTON - Gilbert Branson Ornduff of Elizabethton, Tennessee went home to be with Lord on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Community Living Center at the Mountain Home VA at the age of 90.

Gilbert was born in Carter County to the late John B. and Winnie (Kress) Ornduff. In addition to his parents, Gilbert was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Ann (Hale) Ornduff; six sisters, Mary Parks, Elizabeth Coffee, Ann W. Ornduff Berry, Cleta Younce, Christine Wright and Reba Ross; and three brothers, Elmer Ornduff, Rufus Delmore Ornduff and John Ornduff.

Gilbert is survived by three daughters, Pamela (Pam) L. Ornduff of Franklin, TN, Mona G. Ornduff Evans of Elizabethton, TN and Kelly L. Ornduff Dale and her husband Albert Dale of Spring Hill, TN; one granddaughter, Dr. Courtney Evans of Hanover, PA; two step granddaughters, Hannah Hilton and husband Harrison Hinton of Hendersonville, TN and Mary Ashley Dale of Nashville, TN; and two great daughters, Grace Hilton and Violet Hinton; and four sisters, Mariea Ward of Shady Valley, TN, Olga Rice of Ellenboro, NC, Sharon Holmes and her husband David Holmes of Elizabethton, TN and Erma Nidiffer of Elizabethton, TN; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church of Elizabethton, TN and was also a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1955 as a Petty Officer First Class in the Korean War. He was a proud veteran and often wore his Navy hat. He also attended the reunion for the USS John R. Pierce 753. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing tennis and volleyball. He was a glider pilot and enjoyed sailing on Watauga Lake as well.

The committal and entombment services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park with his three daughters and a son-in-law officiating. Music will be provided by Jamie Schaff and John Shell on bagpipes. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Kimbrel, Kraig Kimbrel, Ron Ross, Richard Younce, Gene Younce, John Ornduff, Danny Nidiffer, Dennis Ornduff, Dallas Ornduff, Allan Rice, Brian Holmes, Alex Holmes, David Holmes (brother-in-law), Blake Mitchel, Robbie Patten, Stacey Street, John Yubaus, Greg Moreland, Bob Lewis, David Shields and Steven Burdette. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet in the Mausoleum of Peace at 1:45 PM.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff of the Community Living Center at the Mountain Home VA.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make a donation in memory of Gilbert to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Words of comfort can be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gilbert Branson Ornduff. Office phone (423) 542-2232.