Mr. Donald Julian Gibbs Sr., age 94, of Stockbridge, GA, passed away on January 7, 2025. He was a devoted member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church for over 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruby Elaine Gibbs of Jonesboro, GA; his brothers, Johnny and Bobby Gibbs; and his beloved wife of 68 years, Miriam Joyce Gibbs.
Donald is survived by his brother, Tommy Gibbs, and his sisters, Elaine Gibbs of Jonesboro and Mary Edna Minter of Florida. He is also survived by his children: Donny (Lynnette) Gibbs, Cecelia (Alan) Gibbs Chambers, Joni (Jim) Gibbs Hyde, Georgia (Tim) Gibbs Sexton, and Camille (Scott) Gibbs Mixon, as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Donald served for 21 years before retiring. He then joined the Clayton County Sheriff's Department, where he served for 21 years, retiring as Chief Deputy. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling for over 20 years in their motor home. Donald was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus for 20 years and spent 12 years volunteering in the emergency room at Southern Regional Medical Center and at his church. He was known for never missing a Saturday breakfast with his friends and was an avid supporter of the Falcons and the Braves. He also had a great passion for golf, playing several times a week with his golf buddies.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Donald's family was his greatest joy, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ford Stewart Funeral Home, 2047 Hwy 138 SE, Jonesboro, GA 30236. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, at 11:00 AM at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, 591 Flint River Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30238. Following the Mass, burial will take place at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, where Donald will be laid to rest.