William Franklin "Buddy" Gibson

William Franklin "Buddy" Gibson, 84, of Bainbridge, GA, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Dobson officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens with Brandon Gibson, Michael Gibson, Hunter Gibson, Zachary Johnson, Chris Johnson and Tyler Hampton serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

William Franklin Gibson was born February 19, 1937, in Seminole County, GA, the son of William Henry Gibson and Pearl Brantley Gibson. He married the love of his life, Eloise Harden, in 1955. Buddy worked for 42 years with Coca~Cola and was Pentecostal by faith. He served his community as a committed member of the Shiners and Masons.

Buddy was a dedicated husband and father who loved unconditionally. Family was first though he would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. He was honest in his dealings and put forth his best effort in every endeavor. Buddy was known to be an early riser and tinkered, usually in his garden, until dark. His dogs were "man's best friends" in the truest sense and probably did not realize they weren't human. Friends and family fondly recall jokes and pranks that often became funny stories to share with others.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Eloise Harden Gibson; his children, Darlene & Richard Dobson of Odum, GA, Doyle Gibson & Monica Manriquez of Lake Semiole, Dianne & Andy Glisson of Bainbridge, and Dawn Brown & Ricky Powell also of Bainbridge; his siblings, Louise & Bob Sinniger of Houston, TX and Juree & Louie Jarvis of Lake Seminole; his grandchildren, Lisa Johnson, Brandon Gibson, Timothy Dobson, Danielle Glisson, Mindy Tomberlin, Chasity Pope and Emily Hampton; his fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a host of extended family. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Lou Brooks, Irene Smith and Myrtle McCullough.