Hoot Gibson

TSGT Norman “Hoot” Gibson, USAF Retired, Vietnam veteran, passed away at home on Saturday, January 31, 2015, Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 81. Hoot is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Joan Healy Gibson, his children Pamela Miller (Ray), Steven Gibson, Penny Gibson Graves (John), and Kristi Lea Gibson. Surviving grandchildren are Amber Miller Holley (Jamie ), Kevin Miller (Britney), Michael Miller( Andrea),Ryan Graves (Abbie), Shannon Graves Millen (Burdette), and Norman Scott Gibson. Hoot had 9 great grandchildren.

Hoot was born February 14, 1933, in Brookport, Illinois to Amos Gibson and Annie Holt. Hoot served over 23 years in both the U.S Army and Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1977. After his military retirement Hoot worked at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force base until his civil service retirement. Hoot is known for his tireless volunteer work with the Montgomery Association for Retarded Citizens, and most notably he spent the last 15 years volunteering at the AF Enlisted Heritage Hall where he touched countless active duty, retired, and civilian lives. Hoot is credited with several volunteer accolades. Hoot’s love and devotion to the community, smile, and enthusiasm will truly be missed. He was a devoted member of Frazer United Methodist church for over 30 years. His favorite past-times were being on the lakes of Alabama casting a line and telling life stories.

A viewing is scheduled at Leak Memory Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Frazer UMC on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 11:00-12:00 with internment at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, AL on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 2:45. Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to the Montgomery Association of Retarded Citizens, 527 Buckingham Dr., Montgomery, AL 36116. The family would like to thank all of Hoot’s caregivers, AlaCare Hospice, and many others for their efforts, care commitment to his well-being and health. A special thank you to CMSGT Fred Graves, of the AF Enlisted Heritage Research Institute for his compassion & dedication to our family.