United States Army Veteran, Mr. Gilbert Lamar Lofton of 172 East 3rd Street, Arabi, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his residence.

The funeral service, with military honors, will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W . Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Lamar, affectionately known as "Beaver," was a cherished son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Born on June 27, 1962, in Arabi, Georgia, to the late Curtis Lofton and his devoted mother, Adeline Lofton, Lamar lived a life full of love, service, and passion.

Lamar graduated from Crisp County High School in 1980, where he was an active participant in the Upward Bound Program. This program, offered by Georgia Southwestern State University during the 1980s, provided academic   instruction in subjects like literature, math, science, and foreign language. It also offered guidance in college entrance exams and financial aid applications, fostering Lamar's lifelong love of learning.

After high school, Lamar chose to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he served for five years. Following his honorable discharge, he became a member of the Georgia National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment in Cordele, Georgia. During the Persian Gulf War, Lamar served bravely in Operation Desert Storm, until an injury in an accident brought him back home.

Lamar later attended South Georgia Technical College, where he earned a degree in Auto Mechanics and Welding. He was known for his skill and dedication in these fields.

Lamar was an avid gardener, eagerly anticipating each spring to start planting. He found joy in sharing the fruits of his labor with his neighbors. Additionally, he possessed a hidden talent for writing poetry, expressing his thoughts and  emotions through the written word.

Lamar is survived by his caring mother, Mother Adeline Lofton of Arabi, Georgia, who tirelessly cared for him the last two months; his brother, Jefferson (Mary) Lofton of Dawson, Georgia; his sisters, Ella L. Perry of Vienna, Georgia, Brenda (Billy) Austin of Fitzgerald, Georgia, and Tania (Toriano) Gilbert of Richmond Hill, Georgia; his aunts, Ella Mae Williams of Tampa, Florida, Mattie Pearl Daniels of Cordele, Georgia, and Ola B. Lofton of Arabi, Georgia; his  brother-in-law, Fred Jones of Arabi, Georgia; his special cousins, Carlton Lofton of Dallas, Texas, Verna Rainey of Antioch, Tennessee, Carlton Maddox of  Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlie (Chay) Lofton of Arabi, Georgia; his god sisters, Christine Perry Gaither of Atlanta, Georgia, Ethel Perry of Vienna, Georgia, and Barbara Kendricks of Tampa, Florida.

His life was enriched by his nieces, Bridgette, Mikita, Ashley, Jessica, Taylor, Lisa, Syretta, Elena, Olivia, Jhanna, Kiyah, and Nikki.  He was especially proud of his nephews, Derrick, Rusty, Jason, Joshua, Tyler, Dylan, Malachi, Derek Jr., and Dontavious.

Lamar was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Lofton, his sister Mable Gwendolyn Lofton (Jones), and his grandparents, Gilbert & Maetta Lofton and  J. C. & Mable Daniels.

Lamar's favorite scripture was Psalm 23, which he recited until he lost his voice on July 15th. Although he departed this life on July 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, Lamar's spirit remains with those who knew and loved him.  We will miss him, but we are encouraged knowing that he is so much better now.