Gilbert Leroy Hice

Gilbert Hice passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas, to Johnny Hice, Jr. and Frankie Mae Hice. Gilbert was one of nine children born to this union.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Gilbert attended the local public schools and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School. While at Wheatley, he excelled both academically and athletically, participating in track, football, and basketball. Even from a young age, Gilbert demonstrated intelligence, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He later continued his studies at California State College in Bakersfield, California, earning a Master of Arts degree in Education. Gilbert firmly believed that every child deserved a quality education, a belief that guided his thirty-year career as an educator.

Throughout his career, Gilbert served in several impactful roles. He was the Assistant Director of Intramurals and an instructor at the University of Houston, an Assistant Principal at Aldine High School in Houston, Texas, and a teacher at Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California. He concluded his professional career at Aldine High School. His dedication to education and leadership left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues.

While attending college, Gilbert met Zelma Johnson. After a three-year courtship, they were married and shared fifty-five years of love, partnership, and devotion until his passing.

Gilbert was known for his determined mindset and natural leadership. He took pride in being in charge and used those qualities to serve his community, including his role as President of the African American Western Heritage Center in San Antonio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Billie Jean Bellinger, Johnny Hice, III, Melissa Hice, Willie Hice, Josephine Smith, and Leroy Hice.

Gilbert will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of fifty-five years, Zelma Hice; his siblings, Charles Hice (Jeanne) and Frankie Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.