William Alexander Gibson

Bill was born on August 12, 1925 in McColl, SC to Alex T. and Cecile Higgins Gibson.  He graduated from Sparta, NC High School in 1942 and married Nancy Erma Edwards.  Theirs was a loving marriage of 72 years.  Bill had two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Sherman (deceased) and Audrey Gail Gibson of Bel Air, MD.  He had one grandson, Timothy S. Sherman.  His brother was Nelson (“Tad”) Gibson (deceased).  He has many loving nieces and nephews from PA to NC. 

Bill had over 45 years’ experience in automotive and truck repair, including automotive machine shop; he was also a test driver at APG during WWII on track laying vehicles.  He owned and operated Gibson’s Service Center in the Hickory area for 32 years, starting with a gasoline station and expanding to a major repair shop with 24-hour towing service.  He was a fair and honest businessman and mentored to many young people over the years.  He would open his shop to them after hours so they could repair their cars.  Bill loved his country and blue grass music; he was a faithful member of The Kelly”s Parlor Pickers.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, baseball, and football.  He was a member of the Long Branch Rifle Association and a member of the National Rifle Association.  Bill was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 60 years, serving as trustee and on other church committees. 

Bill was a loving husband, father, friend, and mentor to so many during his lifetime.  Those who desire may make a donation to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2106 Churchville Rd., Bel Air, MD 21015.

Bill died on May 5, 2022 comfortably at home with family and friends.