Charles Elam Gibson

Jack of all trades, master of none – our dad, Charles Elam Gibson, Sr. defied this popular saying.  He was a jack and master of all trades he tackled.  He passed away on May 14, 2016 and throughout his 84+ years he was a jack of many trades: navy signalman; section leader; brick mason; construction foreman; hunter; car salesman; woodwork/furniture craftsman; fresh/saltwater fisherman; gardener; beloved son, brother, husband, father, granddad and great-grand…yes, he was master of them all.

Daddy was born to Newton and Janeatrie Gibson on January 8, 1932 on Green St here in Franklin and was the 9th of 11 children.  His last surviving sibling, James Rudolph Gibson (82), currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.  Dad joined the navy and while enlisted married, in 1957, Dorothy Lenoir Gibson (still living on Green Street in Franklin).  After honorably serving 11 years, including combat in the Korean War, he left the navy and began his lifelong pursuit of mastering many trades. 

There are 6 of us.  Five boys (Jackson, Charles, Dwayne, Brian and Tracy) who he included in most of his pursuits.  All of them have spent time laying brick, working construction and woodworking as well as hunting, fishing and gardening.  They have a lifetime of stories to share with the generations that follow.  A lone daughter (Beverly) rounds out the six and yes she, too, shared in construction, woodworking, fishing and gardening.  She is comforted to know that she was his favorite daughter - never mind that she was an only.  We're all works in progress at mastering what he taught us.

The 6 of us produced 17 grands and they have gone on to have 7 great-grands for Daddy to dote on – and he mastered doting.  The grands and greats are spread from Atlanta to Seattle; PA to CA.  They all have fond memories of their Granddaddy and understand that how they choose to utilize the wisdom he imparted will further define his legacy.  The expectations are high.

Daddy leaves a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.  All of whom could tell you something good about Uncle Charles/Buddy/Mr. Gibson.  Over the years he’s touched many and always tried to make a difference and as was his custom, he mastered making a difference.

Our strong, incredible mother soldiers on without her mate– knowing her life experience was made better as a result of the last 58+ years with our dad.  Regardless of how much we write, we won’t fully capture the impact our father had on so many lives.  So we’ll end with this thought:  if our dad ever offered you vegetables out of his garden; sold you a car; let you buy a car “on time”; built you furniture; fished with you; sat down and shared his wisdom;  or gave you a hug then you were special to him.  Carry that knowledge with you as we move forward without him.

Our dad wasn’t big on ritual, so instead of sending flowers a more fitting tribute would be a contribution to your favorite charity in his name.  And to further honor him, next time you have an opportunity to help someone in need, do it - knowing that our dad would.  With that, we’ve done our best to summarize the life of a master!  

A private memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, June 5th

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Gibson family.  Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

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