We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Big Little Brother, Brad Gilson, beloved husband, family member, and friend to all, on December 08, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Known to many for his humble and quiet demeanor, Brad was a pillar of strength and support to those around him with an extraordinary ability to place others first, always dropping everything to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Brad was born October 9, 1977, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Brad married the love of his life, Kristi, in 2007. They have three fur babies, Kricket, Echo, and Gizmo. He is also survived by his parents Jerry and Betty Gilson, the Little Big Brother, Kerry and wife Dawn of Bauxite, his Father and Mother-in-Law, Eddie and Sherry Vance, Sister-in-law Misti and husband Clint Rudell of Sheridan, AR and Sister-in-law Tiffany and husband Ken Ray of El Paso, AR.

He was affectionately known as 'Uncle Bad' by a surviving host of nieces and nephews; Patrick Johnson, Jennifer Skillern Elmore, Jonathan Gilson, Karis Rudell, Emma Hayes, Declan Ray, Rowan Ray; Great Nephews David Johnson and Mitchell Elmore; and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and special friends that were family.

Brad was preceded in death by his cherished Grandparents John Oliver and Mavis Weatherford, and Amos and Jewel Gilson, Nephew Joshua Johnson, and beloved pet Daisy.

Sometimes the right words cannot be expressed about a person. Described as one of the funniest and kindest people to ever walk the Earth, any time spent with Brad whether at the range, hunting, fishing, or simply going to the movies, was time well spent. Brad's gruff exterior was nothing more than a vessel for the tremendous amount of warmth and joy he brought to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His amazing skills in pestering, harassing, and teasing his loved ones, especially nieces and nephews, could not be matched. Idly biding his time, watching the fear and wonder in their eyes, he sat waiting to pounce. Once you were entangled in Uncle Bad's hands, you were sure to experience a birthday spanking, endless tickling, held by your toes, being tossed, or just given a mammoth hug filled with enough love for the whole room. Uncle Bad left an imprint on all his kids, even the ceiling would not be spared.

No matter the time of day, or what he was doing, a simple call always resulted in an immediate response for family and anyone in need. Brad's gentle spirit, however, sometimes stayed home. Arriving in a truck that you would think was stolen from a DEWALT tool warehouse, Brad took to tasks quickly, giving them his full attention, he was bent on getting the job done. Even in his final days, Brad never stopped helping.

In Isaiah 25:4 (KJV) God promises us that he is a defender of the helpless and those in need, "For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall." Brad was also a defender of those in need, even a simple turn of the wrist to reassure little sister, helped us to not be afraid.

We did not lose our defender, our Big Little Brother, our Uncle Bad, or our Soulmate, because every time we called for him, he left part of him with us. Brad was called to touch the lives of others. Acts 20:35 tells us that it is "More blessed to give than to receive." Although Brad gave everything he had, he never asked for anything in return.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.