Obituary of Robert Earl Gibson

WEST COLUMBIA-Robert Earl "Bob" Gibson went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 10th, 2013 while surrounded by his Family. Mr. Gibson is survived by the Love of His Life of more than 60+ years-Wife Jessie Ruth Chaney Gibson, His Heart-Daughter Gayna Lynn Gibson Wall, and the Son He Always Wanted-Son-in-Law Frank Watson Wall, II. A Funeral Service will be held today- on Father's Day-Sunday, June 16th, 2013, at 4:00 p.m., at Mount Hebron United Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 29169. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. A Visitation was held by The Gibson Family last evening Saturday, June 15th, 2013, at Thompson Funeral Home in West Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church Building Fund. Mr. Gibson was the beloved only child of the late Roland Earl and Linnie Rebecca Heise Gibson. He was the adored First Grandchild/First Grandson for both his Maternal Grandparents: the late Charles Pollard and Elizabeth Hook Heise and his Paternal Grandparents: the late Hugh Weston and Annie Mae Bundrick Gibson. Mr. Gibson was born in New Brookland, SC (now known as West Columbia, SC) at his Grandparents' Heise's Homeplace on Highway 378 (Sunset Boulevard). His deep love of Family was rooted in that "Big House" with his Parents and his "Big Mama" and his "Big Daddy" Heise. He loved his Grandpa Gibson, too, along with all of his other Heise and Gibson Relatives. He missed knowing his Grandma Gibson. Mr. Gibson's boyhood was spent hunting, fishing, exploring nature, and playing ball. Growing up, he enjoyed being with his Family and Dear Friends, working at his first jobs, and participating in athletics. As a Brookland-Cayce Bearcat he excelled in sports, especially Baseball and Football, in which he lettered. His part-time job at his Uncle Wilson and Aunt Lib's Howard's Department Store became even more profitable when he met his co-worker and future Wife Jessie Ruth! Upon receiving his Greetings from Uncle Sam during the Korean War in 1953, he quickly proposed to the beautiful Jessie Ruth-marrying her two short weeks later. Mr. Gibson served our Country as a member of the Army National Guard, the Army, and the Army Reserves with the rank of Corporal. He was Honorably Discharged. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson had an unshakable faith in God that kept them strong. In good times and in bad times, they always worked hard together to reach their goals. Their biggest dream came true when their daughter Gayna was born, and their Family was made complete when Gayna married their Son-in-Law Frank-who became their Son. Their greatest accomplishment was building a Family that loved God, each other, and other people! Over the years, the Gibsons tenderly cared for their precious Parents during their illnesses. They also lovingly cared for other Dear Loved Ones trying to make their lives more special! For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for 60+ years, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson kept these Wedding Vows to one another. Mr. Gibson retired from Lexington Medical Center after 15 years of devoted service. He loved helping others in need. He spent most of his years, however, as a Salesman and Supervisor for Claussen and then Merita Bakeries. He was known for his superior salesmanship. In fact, it was said that he could sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo! Mr. Gibson was a member of Mount Hebron United Methodist Church, the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class, and a past member of the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church Administrative Board. He enjoyed playing for and coaching the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church's Men's Softball Team whom he led to a Championship Title. Mr. Gibson loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all of his heart, all of his soul, all of his mind, and all of his strength. He also loved his Jessie, his Gayna, and his Frank with every fiber of his being! Mr. Gibson will be remembered for his honesty-even when it was not popular- and his fairness-even when it was difficult. He always believed in doing what was right-no matter what! He cared more about others than he cared about himself, and he was always generous and thoughtful. His quick wit and beautiful smile plus a dash or two of boyish charm made him a joy to be around. He was bold and courageous, and he NEVER gave up-not even in the end!!! "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 King James Version Happy Father's Day, Daddy! You're the best Daddy in the whole world! We love you "2849!!!"