Thomas Gibson's Obituary
Thomas Hubert Gibson Thomas Hubert Gibson, age 89, of Davidson, N.C., and formerly of Bristol, Va., died on Thursday, August 28, 2014, after a short illness. Mr. Gibson, son of the late Octavious Graham and Emma Griffin Gibson, was born on April 15, 1925, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Keesling Gibson; his second wife, Marie Morrell Gibson; his brother, O. G. Gibson; his sisters, Elizabeth Robertson, Louise Gibson, and Doris Edgerton; and an infant brother and sister.
Mr. Gibson was a veteran of World War II, having fought from Omaha Beach to Berlin as a member of the Army's 2nd Armored Division under the command of Gen. George Patton. This campaign included the infamous Battle of the Bulge, where he suffered frozen feet. After returning from the war, he graduated from Wake Forest College and began a career, first in sales and then in vocational counseling, serving with the Virginia Employment Commission in Bristol, Va., for 25 years, where he was able to assist more than 26,000 clients with job training programs or employment opportunities. Mr. Gibson, a Civitan member for 55 years, was instrumental in the creation of the Bristol Sheltered Workshop. He was a member of the Citizens' Advisory Committee of VA Highlands Community College, an election precinct worker, and a member of the committee to select a new Bristol, Va., police chief and evaluate officers for promotion. He was also an auxiliary volunteer at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. For over 60 years, he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher wherever he lived, including Euclid Ave. Baptist in Bristol, Va. He made mission trips to Hungary and Romania and was instrumental in the formation of NorthStar Baptist Church in Bristol, Va., where he served for many years as Deacon Chairman. Mr. Gibson was a lifelong learner. In studying the fields of history, religion, psychology, politics, business, and medical practices, he challenged traditional views in his pursuit of proven facts. Reading became his passion.
Survivors include his daughter, Gail Heron (Bill) of Charlotte, N.C.; his cherished granddaughters, Kaila and Karalee Heron; his brother-in-law, Ed Edgerton; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be sent to the building fund at NorthStar Baptist Church, 2455 King Mill Pike, Bristol, VA 24201.
James Funeral Home is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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