COLUMBUS, Ga. — Tragic Loss Near Lakebottom Park: Remembering Dr. Gilbert Maulsby

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Tragic Loss Near Lakebottom Park: Remembering Dr. Gilbert Maulsby

Columbus, Georgia, is reeling with sorrow after a tragic accident near Lakebottom Park claimed the life of a beloved member of the community. The victim has been identified as Dr. Gilbert Maulsby, a retired physician who served Columbus and its surrounding areas with distinction, compassion, and unwavering dedication for more than four decades.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning near the scenic walking trails of Lakebottom Park — a place Dr. Maulsby was known to frequent for his daily walks and moments of reflection. According to preliminary reports, the accident involved a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, Dr. Maulsby was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the crash remains ongoing.

A Life of Healing and Service

Dr. Gilbert Maulsby, 76, was a pillar of the Columbus medical community. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency at the Medical College of Georgia. Returning to his hometown in the late 1970s, he opened a family practice clinic on Warm Springs Road, where he treated generations of patients with empathy, professionalism, and care.

Known not only for his medical acumen but also for his deep kindness, Dr. Maulsby often provided free or reduced-cost care for patients in financial need. He was also a regular volunteer at local health fairs and clinics, extending his reach far beyond his private practice.

Colleagues recall him as a humble leader and mentor. Younger physicians often turned to him for guidance and support, and his influence can be felt across the medical community in Columbus. “Dr. Maulsby was the kind of doctor every patient hopes to find — compassionate, patient, and entirely devoted to healing,” said Dr. Elaine Tucker, a former colleague. “He made you feel seen, heard, and valued.”

Devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Outside the medical profession, Dr. Maulsby was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret “Maggie” Maulsby, three children — Jennifer, Christopher, and Andrew — and six grandchildren who adored their “Poppy.” Family members describe him as gentle, wise, and always available with a listening ear and warm smile. He loved nature, classical music, and tinkering with old radios and books from his vast home library.

Friends and family say Lakebottom Park held a special place in Dr. Maulsby’s heart. It was where he often walked with his late Labrador, Henry, and where he proposed to his wife many years ago under a canopy of oaks. The tragic irony that his life ended in such a familiar, cherished place has only deepened the grief.

A Community in Mourning

News of Dr. Maulsby’s passing spread quickly across Columbus, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media and in local community spaces. Patients, neighbors, and friends have come forward to share heartfelt memories, expressing gratitude for the impact he had on their lives. Many recall how he remembered every patient by name, and how his calm, reassuring demeanor provided comfort in even the most uncertain moments.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson released a statement honoring Dr. Maulsby’s legacy: “The city of Columbus has lost not just a doctor, but a moral compass, a quiet leader, and a deeply respected man who dedicated his life to serving others. Dr. Maulsby’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched.”

Memorial Plans

The Maulsby family has announced that a public memorial service will be held this Saturday at St. Luke United Methodist Church, where Dr. Maulsby was a longtime member and lay leader. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Columbus Free Clinic — a nonprofit health center that Dr. Maulsby supported both financially and through years of volunteer service.

In the words of one of his former patients: “Dr. Maulsby didn’t just heal the body — he healed the spirit. Columbus is a better place because of him.”

As the community of Columbus grieves this devastating loss, it also celebrates the extraordinary life of a man who gave everything to serve, to heal, and to uplift. Rest in peace, Dr. Gilbert Maulsby — your life was a gift to all who knew you.