Gilbert Edward Ziel, Jr., 79, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2016.

Gilbert E. Ziel Jr., known as "Sonny" to his family, was born in Santa Rosa, FL on November 6, 1936. After moving to Pensacola, Gilbert graduated from Pensacola High School and Pensacola Junior College. Gilbert earned his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating, he served his country in the US Army before beginning his career with the Southern Railway Company, working in Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN; he then returned to Pensacola to work in avionics at Naval Air Station Pensacola. After retiring from NAS, Gilbert perused his interest in classic cars, restoring his 1957 Ford Thunderbird in which he traveled extensively throughout the U.S. Gilbert valued and maintained friendships from his career with the railroad and NAS, as well as the classic car community.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert E. Ziel Sr.; mother, Althea I. Ziel; and sisters, Delores Fennell Cardenas and Virginia Peterson.

Gilbert is survived by his sister, Dorothy Goppert; brother, William E. Ziel (Kathy); as well as his nieces, Sandra Fennell Ammons and Cheryl Goppert Shadian; nephews, Richard Fennell (Patrice), Mark Cardenas and Ashley Ziel (Kathryn) and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Bayview Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be: Greg Fennell, Brandon Fennell, Hunter Fennell, Mike Vitito, Shawn Nix and Ricky Nix.