Marion H. “Gib” Gibson

Marion H. "Gib" Gibson, Sr., died June 2, 2013 in Greenville, NC. He was born in Gibson, NC (Scotland County) on September 17, 1921. "Gib" was predeceased by his loving wife of more than 56 years, Betsy Hobgood Gibson, parents Francis Duncan and Myra Parks Gibson of Gibson, NC, sister Myra LaRue Gibson Cooper of CA, and brother Dr. Francis Duncan Gibson, Jr. of Memphis, TN. Surviving are children Marion H. "Woody" Gibson, Jr. of High Point, NC, Emmett Wayne Gibson and wife, Mary, of Rocky Mount, NC, and Elaine Gibson Stafford of Raleigh, NC. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren - Heather Gibson Stafford of Raleigh, NC, and William Robert and Elizabeth Ann Gibson of Rocky Mount, NC, and a sister, Janice Gibson Wright, of Fort Mill, SC. "Gib" graduated from Gibson High School in 1940 and from Oak Ridge Military Institute in 1943. He then enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1943. During his service with the Marines, he was a survivor of the Iwo Jima campaign, was part of the occupational forces in Sasebo, Japan and returned to the United States to disband the Fifth Amphibious Corps in 1946. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps on April 1l, 1946, he went into selling life insurance and ultimately joined Pilot Life Insurance Company in March 1948. During his 37 years with Pilot Life, "Gib" was an agent in the Home Service Division, a Company-leading Staff Manager in Norfolk, Va., and a District Manager in both Rocky Mount, NC and Roanoke, VA. In 1969, he transferred to the Home Office in Greensboro, NC, working primarily in the Training Department. In 1985, "Gib" took early retirement and immediately took a six week trip with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law to Mexico. During his retirement, "Gib" continued to sell life insurance on a part-time basis. He enjoyed his years of retirement, but his life was greatly saddened by the sudden death of his loving wife, Betsy, a wonderful mother and strong supporter of the decisions both of them faced during their married life. As a member of First Christian Church, "Gib" sang in the choir, was a Deacon, President and Vice President of Christian Men's Fellowship, and Sunday School President. He also sang with the Christmas Choral group for 11 years under the direction of Jim Wiggs. He and his wife also worked with "Meals on Wheels" for several years. "Gib" was a loving father and grandfather, who enjoyed attending his grandchildren's soccer matches and basketball games, as well as recitals and horse shows. Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC on June 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Greenville, NC at 2:30 p.m. Visitation with his family will be at the home of Wayne and Mary Gibson at 7:00 p.m. on June 4, 2013. He will be buried beside his wife in Greenville, NC and in the family cemetery in Gibson, NC. In lieu of flowers, "Gib" has requested that memorials be sent to First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or to Oak Ridge Military Academy, P. O. Box 498, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Location Not Available Tuesday 6/4, 7:00 pm Service First Christian Church (of Wilson) 207 Tarboro Street, N.E. Wilson, NC 27893 Wednesday 6/5, 11:00 am Cemetery