Mr. Doug "J.D." Gibbs, age 83, of Gainesville passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at the VA Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, following an extended illness.
Doug joined the U.S. Marine Corps to proudly serve his country in the Korean War and he fought in the war's worst battle at the Chosin Reservoir. He earned a Purple Heart for injuries incurred during combat. During the war he learned to operate heavy equipment which later became his lifetime occupation as owner of Gibbs Grading which is still run by his son today.
Doug never met a stranger and had an infectious smile and memorable laugh. He became instant friends with anyone he ever met. He was known in the Gainesville community as a loving family man, loyal friend and honest businessman.
Mr. Gibbs was born April 9, 1930, as the 9th child of 12 to the late Robert and Estelle Gibbs. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen Gibbs, Gainesville and their children, daughter and son-in-law Vickie and Rich White, Gainesville, son and daughter-in-law Doug and Riva Gibbs, Greenwood, IN, son and daughter-in-law Scott and Jennifer Gibbs, Gainesville. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Davis and Amy White, Russell and Rebecca White, Zachary and Whitney Gibbs, 1LT Jason Gibbs (currently serving in the Army as a combat engineer in Afghanistan), Jefferson Gibbs and David Gibbs; great grandchildren Lauren and Lindsey White, Maxwell and Harrison White; sisters Letty Daniels and Peggy and Lewis Coker; special niece Linda Peterson Argue and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind long-time military friends including Heyward and Marion Hosch, Harry and Jackie Kimball, Johnny and Cindy Nivens, and Steve Doucette, Matthew and Phil DuBeck.
A graveside services will be held Thursday August 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Alta Vista Cemetery. Dr. Tom Smiley will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday August 14, 2013 at Memorial Park North Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Challenged Child and Friends at PO Box 5758, Gainesville, GA 30504.
Semper Fi
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770.297.6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
