Joseph Harrison Gibbons

Joseph was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the University of South Carolina in the College of Engineering and Computing for 43 years. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the university, the top student in the Chemical Engineering program and second overall honor student in 1956. He was selected as one of five Chemical Engineers nationally for a Westinghouse Fellowship Program, and first in the group to graduate with honors and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh at the age of 26.

During his graduate studies, he also designed and developed nuclear reactors for the United States Naval Atomic Submarine Fleet. After several years at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratories, Dr. Gibbons joined the Chemical Engineering faculty at the University of South Carolina and was promoted to full professor before the age of 40. Dr. Gibbons was State Coordinator for the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) for 12 years. He chaired the Chemical Engineering Department at USC for 15 years as well as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Engineering for 10 years and served as Interim Dean before retirement.

He was a member of many prestigious societies and was bestowed numerous accolades throughout his life. Dr. Gibbons was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. He was also a member of The American Society for Engineering Education, American Chemical Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers and the Columbia Chapter, South Carolina Science Council, South Carolina Academy of Science, and a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He received the JETS National Outstanding Service Award, The Litman Distinguished Professor Award, The Biedenbach Distinguished Service Award, The USC Educational Foundation Service Award, The College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Tau Beta Pi National Superior Service Award, the Columbia Chapter Engineer of the Year Award and the Order of the Palmetto Award from Governor Mark Sanford. He is listed in Who's Who in Science and Engineering, Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who in the World.

Although Dr. Gibbons contributions to the scientific community were extensive due to his prolific body of research, his true professional passion was for the classroom. His dedication to the education of aspiring young minds was renowned throughout his career, inspiring many generations of brilliant engineers, entrepreneurs, and fellow educators, even contributing funds for a teaching award and an undergraduate scholarship to the college. He was also instrumental in his local community, serving in leadership positions with PTA's, Community Parks and Ballet Companies. He was an ordained Baptist Deacon.

His devotion to the education of his students was superseded only by his love for the Lord and his family. His greatest joys were his wife of 67 years, his family, helping others in need, and spending time with students. He was predeceased by his parents, Roxie Lanie & James Harry; daughter, Lisa Ann Gibbons and nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Neva; his daughter, Karen (Jim); six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, as well as friends and family both young and old who were touched by his wisdom, honesty and compassion. It is through these lives that his legacy will live

on and his influence never forgotten.

To pay your respects, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Boyce Chapel, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Neva and Joe Gibbons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship (B11510) or Dr. Joseph H. Gibbons Scholarship in Chemical Engineering (1B1762), University of SC Office of Gift Processing, 1600 Hampton Street, Suite 736, Columbia, SC 29208 or online: https://donate.sc.edu/direct-your-gift.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.