![]( "John P. Gibson")
John P. Gibson
John P. Gibson, 75, of Ellijay, formerly of Hawkinsville, died Monday, June 5, 2017.
John was born June 28, 1941, in LaGrange to the late Nathan Gibson and Vera Mincemoyer, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were sisters Shelia Clement and Orelia Gibson, his stepfather Bill Mincemoyer and brother-in-law H.L. Clement.
He was educated in the Rabun County Schools and attended Georgia State University until his education was interrupted by the draft. John entered the U.S. Army in November 1963 and served most of his time in Germany. When John returned home, he began his 20-year career in sales with the W.D. Alexander Co., which eventually merged with General Electric. While at General Electric, John was Top National Performer from 1980-84.
In January 1985, John and his wife LaVerne moved to Hawkinsville and got into business ownership. They were co-owners of C & W Hardware Co. and then opened their own business — Papa’s Pizza To-Go. While in the pizza business their store won several awards —The Franchise of the Year and the Hawkinsville/Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. During the time in Hawkinsville, John was very active in the First Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon, and chaired and served on numerous church committees. He was also very active in the business community, where he served as director of Chamber of Commerce of Hawkinsville, president of Hawkinsville Merchants Association, and member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Windy Inn Men’s Club.
Survivors include: wife of 50 years, LaVerne S. Gibson, nephews Kevin Clement and Linwood (Tracy) Clement and daughters, Kaitlind and Leah niece Lori (Jeremy) Hill and daughters, Ella and Hannah, and godson Joseph Blake Cope.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 12, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Thom Shores officiating and the Rev. Dr. Gary Abbott eugilist.
The family met with friends before the service from noon-2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Heartlite Hospice — Ellijay, 772 Maddox Drive Suite 112, Ellijay, Georgia 30540.
Bernhardt Funeral was in charge of the arrangements.
The Clayton Tribune, June 15, 2017