Robert Harmon Gibson

Robert “Bob” H. Gibson, 99, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023 at the Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, Tennessee after a brief illness. The youngest of five children, he was born June 15, 1923 in Chester County, Tennessee to Mary Vernon (Burross) and Robert Allen Gibson. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia (Cude) Gibson, a son, Alan and his four siblings Tom, Jim, Irene and Arlie. An outgoing and devoted family member, Bob leaves behind his daughter, Linda Gibson (Dave Stockton), sons, Roger and Tim Gibson, granddaughter, Mairi (Chris) Reppy and several nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Chester County High School in 1942 and immediately joined the Navy. During WWII, he served four years in Naval aviation and later as a gunnery officer on the aircraft carrier Hornet C-12 in the Pacific. After the war, he attended UT Junior College in Martin on the GI bill where he met his wife-to-be Virginia whom he married in 1950. Bob completed an undergraduate degree at Iowa State University and a master’s degree from UT-Knoxville, followed by a doctorate from the University of Missouri. Bob taught vocational agriculture for several years in Iowa and Tennessee. Upon receiving his doctorate, he began working as an agriculturist and regional director with TVA in Muscle Shoals, Alabama where he eventually retired in 1988 after 25 years.

After retirement, Bob and Virginia built a home in the country near Union City, Tennessee next to Virginia’s family and childhood home. There Bob continued his love of plants and gardening and even in retirement stayed active in the community for the next thirty years. He served in several capacities at First Christian Church in Union City, including those of Elder and Board Chair. Bob joined the Union City Kiwanis Club and served as a Lieutenant Governor. He also served as Chairman of the Library Board during and after the construction of the Obion County Public Library. His strong organizational skills, mature outlook and wry sense of humor were all assets in those positions. Bob and Virginia were strong supporters of their church, the Obion County Public Library and several other organizations. In his later years, Bob found a new home and excellent care at Hearthside Senior Living in Bartlett, Tennessee where he enjoyed winning at Rummikub during his family’s frequent visits.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3 with visitation and a reception to immediately follow at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue in Memphis. Bob’s nephew Daniel Holloway will officiate. Burial will be arranged by Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home of Union City at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Rives, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Obion County Public Library (1221 Reelfoot Ave., Union City, TN 38261) or to Lisieux Community (PO Box 11466, Memphis, TN 38111).