Gilbert Moses Dinkins, 84, of Forest, Virginia left his earthly home peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024 after a brief illness.

Gil was born on March 9, 1940 to Lucille Moses Dinkins and James Gilbert Dinkins in Appomattox, Virginia who preceded him in death.  As a curious child, Gil was one of the youngest teenagers to earn his HAM radio license and had a deep interest in electronics.  After graduating from Appomattox High School, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and earned a Masters in Physics at Lynchburg College.

He then entered service in the U.S. Army and worked with some of the most sophisticated anti-aircraft weapons systems at the time.  After the military, he started his civilian career with General Electric Company in Lynchburg, Virginia.  He entered the ranks of management, and went on to work with the telecommunications groups of several multinational corporations often traveling to many continents.

Gil tested and helped engineer some of the first cell phone systems.  He held numerous patents related to his developments in communications technology.  He was often called up to serve as an expert witness in litigations related to telecommunications.

Music was an important part of his life.  He played the piano, clarinet, saxophone, and at one point had a band that performed at many local venues. He also loved playing golf.

Gil made it a point not to ever take himself too seriously.  He was tolerant of others and was blessed with a joking, affectionate personality.  He had a vast store of silly (mostly appropriate) wisecracks that he would deploy at just the right moments either in groups or one-on-one conversations.

Gil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He loved kids and they loved him.  He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Ruth Fisher Dinkins; brother, Robert James Dinkins and wife, Nancy of Newport News, Virginia; a niece, Patti (Carmine) of Newport News, Virginia and a nephew, Mike (Gwen) of Mineral, Virginia; four children,  Brian (Heather) of Monrovia, California, Wendy (Jeff) of Denver, Colorado, Eric of Washington, D.C. and Joel Dinkins (Weini) of Reston, Virginia; four grandchildren, Darrin, Lexy, Isaac and Aidric; one great granddaughter, Melody; and step-daughter, April DeShano (Mark) of Evington, Virginia.  We will miss him.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.