In Memory

Philip Gibbs

Philip Gibbs

PHILIP ARCHEL GIBBS

March 13, 1947 to January 16, 2025

Our dear father, Philip Archel Gibbs, 77, of Lexington, Viriginia went Home to glory on January 16, 2025.

He was born on March 13, 1947, to Russell Killian Gibbs and Bernice Thompson Gibbs in Lake Jackson, Texas. The youngest of four, Dad always had fond memories and fun stories to share of his early years. He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1965. Dad was a proud member of the Brazosport Exporters football team and remained lifelong friends with many of his high school classmates.

A gentleman and a scholar, Dad went on to earn degrees in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin; his Master in Business Administration at The University of Chicago; and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Management Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a lifelong learner who truly enjoyed both learning and sharing his knowledge with others.

After many years in industry, Dad chose to pursue full-time career in teaching at the post-secondary level. He taught at William & Mary University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Military Institute before establishing himself at Washington & Lee University, where he taught for more than 15 years. He was well-respected by students and fellow faculty members alike.

Upon retiring in 2013, Dad remained active in the Lexington community. He dedicated many hours to leading the Science Club at the local elementary school, sharing his passion for science and the natural world with eager young children. He could also be found most days enjoying long walks around the golf course or on the university campus with his beloved Springer Spaniel, Duchess.

Dad left an indelible impact on the lives of so many. He was a man of honor and integrity; a lover of science, history, music, art, and animals; and a dear friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and role model.

He is survived by his sisters, Harriet Johnson and her husband Robert Johnson of Waco, Texas and Sarah Gibbs of Georgetown, Texas; his daughters Ginny Wagner and her husband Paul Wagner, Jr. of Madison, Alabama and Amelia Gibbs of San Antonio, Texas; and his sons Jonathan Gibbs of Madison, Alabama, Michael Gibbs Allar of Austin Texas, and William Gibbs of Lexington, Virginia, as well as five amazing grandchildren, and one adorable great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Killian Gibbs and Bernice Thompson Gibbs, and his brother Russell Killian Gibbs, Jr.

While he lived many places in his lifetime, Dad was a Texan through and through and chose to be laid to rest alongside his beloved parents in Lake Jackson, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lake Jackson at the private residence of one of Dad’s lifelong friends on March 22, 2025 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to your local children’s science museum or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.



 
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01/18/25 03:16 PM #1    

Joel Ross

Excellent athlete; excellent student both at BHS and universitiies, excellent accomplishments professionally. And good friend. Sad that he has left us. 


01/19/25 10:54 AM #2    

Thomas (Sydney) Garrett

    Thomas (Sydney) Garrett
01/08/25 02:25 PM
  What a shock and makes me sad to see such a fine individual pass along.

It seems like yesterday we played tag (and tackle in Philips case) at school and given that I was such a skinny runt, Philip would always be the one who would take me down. He was such a joy...always had a smile and laugh. A very pleasant and giving individual. Always viewed him as someone who would become a scholar...and he did.

Will miss him.

01/19/25 11:12 PM #3    

Dave Durham

Philip was special...smart guy and a good friend...grew up with him in church and school...had a good visit with him at last reunion...we'll miss you buddy....Dave D.


01/20/25 10:07 AM #4    

Al Morris

Terrible to hear that Philip had passed. We spent several years close together in Austin after graduation. He was a great guy and a good friend.

As an aside, while living in Austin Philip and I decided to drive to Monterrey Mexico with our wives at the time. Philip was concerned with getting Montezumas Revenge on the trip, so before we left he went to the Doctor and otained some pills as a preventative. Philip took twice the amount prescribed and off we went. I noticed while we were there that he stopped eating as much as normal, and by the time we started the drive back to the States, he wasn't feeling well. We got back to Austin without any problems and overall had a good time. Talking to him later, we both laughed when he told me that it took him about 3 days and a bunch of suppositories to get over that trip. I still chuckle when I think about it. It's a great memory about a fun time with him. 

 I am very sorry to see him leave us all so soon.


01/20/25 02:29 PM #5    

Bill Marshall

I first met Philip (Flip) Gibbs in third or fourth grade.  I remember playing Junior High Football with Philip and how he was an excellent athlete.  I was in Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, Explorer Post and Church with Philip.  Philip was also an Eagle Scout.  I had a lot of Classes with Philip in Junior High and High School.  Philip also helped me with some of my classes in High School.  Before our Senior Year at BHS, our Explored Post, which consisted of Marc Raney, George Franklin, Ben Hardin, Bubba Ahlrich (RIP), Barry Clapp, Larry Williams, Clifford Davis, David Durham, Johnny Bryant, Charlie Claiborne, Philip and myself, we worked and got enough money for the 11 of us (Johnny Bryant was not able to go with us) to stay a week in Panama City, Florida.  It was a fun trip, first time I had viewed the clear Gulf Waters of Florida.  To say the least....we had a great time.  All kinds of pranks were done on each other.  I last saw Philip at Judy Allen Gibbs funeral.  We did have some communications on Face Book years ago.  Flip was a good person. Rest in Peace my friend.  PAX VOBIS


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