Obituary: William Dixon "Bill" Gibbs, Jr., July 12, 2012

Contributed by Brenda Scott Hines
Mar 2015
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The Observer/Enterprise, Coke County, TX - July 20, 2012

William Dixon "Bill" Gibbs, Jr., passed away early July 12, 2012, at 
Robert Lee Care Center. He was 86 years old. Services were held at 2 pm 
Sunday, July 15, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church of 
Robert Lee, with the Rev. Cyndi Weidner officiating. Interment followed 
at the Robert Lee Cemetery. The family received visitors
from 5 pm to 7 pm Saturday at Shaffer Funeral Home in Robert Lee.

Gibbs was born December 27, 1925, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Gertrue Creel 
and William D. Gibbs, Sr. He was a 1942 graduate of Iraan High School, 
and served as a Fireman 1C in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 during the 
end of World War II. Upon leaving the navy, Gibbs spent 15 years working 
in the oil field and as a drilling contractor.

Gibbs graduated in 1962 from Sul Ross University with a Bachelor of Science 
in math. From there, he went onto New Mexico Highlands University, where 
in 1966, he received a Master's of Science in composite science. He received 
his superintendent certification in 1972 from Abilene Christian University.
 
Gibbs found his calling as an excellent math and science teacher in the 
public school system, beginning with his first teaching job at Hereford 
Public School. He went on to teach math, chemistry, and physics at Paint 
Creek Public School before becoming superintendent of schools there,  
and meeting his wife, Judith Moritz Gibbs. They married December 26, 1971, 
in Stamford, Texas, and recently celebrated their 40th  wedding anniversary 
with friends and family.
 
Gibbs was superintendent of schools for Bryson Independent School District 
before returning to the classroom to finish his education career and retire 
from Floydada Independent School District in 1986.

Following retirement, Gibbs and his family moved to Robert Lee, Texas, where 
he lived for 25 years. Gibbs loved God and his family unfailingly, and was 
an active member of First United Methodist Church in Robert Lee. Gibbs loved 
to fish with his brothers and his cousins, and especially loved float trips 
on the Rio Grande River. Gibbs enjoyed working and spending time at the 
"Rock Ranch," a cabin on the San Saba River where he could fish and enjoy 
the wildlife there with his wife. Gibbs was the ultimate "Mr. Fix It," and 
prided himself on tackling any minor or major household emergency himself. 
Gibbs loved sing alongs with his family, and knew the words to most old hymns 
by heart. Following a broken hip, Gibbs lived the remaining year and a half 
of his life at the Robert Lee Care Center, where he made many good friends 
and had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. The family is grateful 
to each of the individuals who provided Gibbs with such excellent care.

Gibbs is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tommy Gibbs; a sister, 
Helen Dodson; and a grandson, Kaleb Crawley.

Gibbs was the proud father of seven grown children: W. D. (Dick) Gibbs III 
of Irving, Texas; Shirley Sargent and husband, Dick, of Butler, Missouri; 
Kerry Webb and husband, Russell, also of Butler, Missouri; Dan Gibbs and wife, 
Cathy, of Angleton, Texas; Danise Anthony and husband, Aaron, Gibbs is also 
survived by his wife, Judy; a brother, Mervin Gibbs and wife, Ida, of Odessa, 
Texas; an aunt, Lillie Holland of Iraan, Texas; thirteen grand-
children, and many special great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, 
cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the First United 
Methodist Church of Robert Lee, the Robert Lee EMS, the Robert Lee Care Center, 
or a charity of choice.

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