Billy Gibson

Click here to view funeral service

Billy Daniel Gibson

Owner and Operator, L & W Railway Company, retired

Billy Daniel Gibson, 91, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, October 13, 2024, after having endured a number of health problems over the past several years.  Billy was born on January 23, 1933, in Louisville, Georgia. He was the youngest of six children born to the late Phillip Eugene and Mattie Lou Gibson. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gene and Lamar Gibson, his older sisters, Vera McNair and Ruby Alice Clark, his daughter-in-law, Pam Gibson, and his son-in-law, Dr. Fred M. Page, Jr.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Mary Julia Rabun Gibson; his twin sister, Betty Collins of Louisville; his four children, Bonnie Campbell (Mike) of Marshallville, Teresa Salter (Edward) of Louisville, Christie Page of Statesboro, and Dan Gibson (Kelly) of Evans, Georgia. "Pa" is further survived by his ten grandchildren: Nicholas (Caroline), Abby, Stephanie, Phillip (Chelsea), Macy (Alec), Mary Ashton (Riley), Haze, Bailey, Chase, and Brad along with five great grandchildren, Madi, Hunter, River, Riley, and Ryder. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Billy" dearly.

At 18, he was drafted and served till the end of the Korean War. After returning from service, Billy worked as an assistant manager at Piggly Wiggly. He then worked as a TV repairman for several years before being employed by the Louisville and Wadley Railway Company.  He worked for the L & W Railroad for approximately four years before he purchased it in 1964, making him the sole owner and operator of the L & W Railroad.  He spent his remaining years enjoying his ever-growing family of in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Billy and Mary spent their golden years traveling across the U.S. with their children and grandchildren. They further enjoyed traveling with Bill Smith's church group.  On these trips, they not only made incredible memories, but they also made life-long friendships. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Billy and Mary took all their children and grandchildren on a 7-day cruise, truly the trip of a lifetime for all of them.

Billy was a member of the Cross Community Church in Louisville, Georgia. He was the happiest when he could have his whole family together at home. He would often sit back and bask in the delight of seeing all his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fellowshipping with each other through the enjoyment of eating large meals, sharing laughter, playing games, and reminiscing of memories, while also encouraging them to create new ones.

Billy always took the opportunity to tell his children to look often for the hidden silver-lining in even the seemingly worst of situations. He always saw the glass as half full, taught his children to become dreamers, would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and never spoke an unkind word to anyone or of anyone.  He was a true Southern gentleman that will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by everyone he encountered.

The family would be remiss if they did not acknowledge the incredible love and care from the following caregivers that have been beside him for the past three years: Sheila Tillman, Maggie Daniel, Valentine Brown, Lucille Brown, Jenette Thompson, Mary Fields, Bobbie Harris, Wanda McGraw, and Roz Tarver.

The following family members will serve as the pallbearers: Nick Campbell, Phillip Salter, Haze Smith, Bailey Smith, Chase Page, Brad Arrington, Micky Clark, and Alec Sepulveda.  Arrangements will be handled by Taylor Funeral Home in Louisville, Georgia. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00am in Cross Community Church with Pastor Edward Salter officiating.  Interment will take place at the Louisville City Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cross Community Church, 5165 Middleground Road, Louisville, Georgia, 30434.