Extracted from The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, NC)
Loami Gilbert, Benson Druggist, Dies At 84
Loami Gilbert, 84-year-old Benson pharmacist, died Monday night in Rex Hospital in Raleigh after a short illness.
He was active as a pharmacist for 58 years, until his recent illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Rose Funeral Home in Benson is in charge.
Mr. Gilbert, owner and operator of Benson Drug Company, was raised on a farm in lower Johnston County. He attended Buies Creek Academy, now Campbell College, and taught school after finishing the academy.
Between 1899 and 1902 he taught school at Bunn Level, at Hood's Grove, and at Pleasant Grove. He saved money from his teaching pay in order to attend the University of North Carolina.
He completed the two-year course in pharmacy at the University of North Carolina in one year.
Mr. Gilbert was associated with drug stores in Dunn, Fayetteville, and Four Oaks before locating permanently in Benson in 1903, when he became affiliated with Benson Drug Company. He acquired sole interest in the firm after a series of management and ownership changes.
He married the former Nina Mercer Wilkins of Chapel Hill in 1906. She died in 1957.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Paul Sumner of Benson; one son, Loami Gilbert, Jr., who operates a drug business in Maxton; and two grandchildren.
Tuesday, May 2, 1961