Daniel DeKalb Gibson, Sr.

Daniel DeKalb Gibson, Sr., “Dan” passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 in Palmetto, Florida surrounded by his son Alan and his daughter Dana.

Dan was born in Leeds, AL in 1936 but lived most of his life in Chula (Tift County) Georgia.  He was married for 55 years to Barbara Maxine Brickle Gibson, who preceded him in death. Dan was an alumnus of Auburn University, and after a brief career farming he entered a full-time career in the electrical contracting industry.  An extraordinarily gifted engineer and constructor of electrical systems, he founded Gibson Electric, Incorporated which he owned until his retirement in 2006.  Examples of his work can be found all over the Eastern United States. In the early 1970’s he had the inspiration for an energy saving device which, with a partner, he designed, developed, and for which he received a US patent.

Dan was a true Servant Leader always putting others above self.  Dan was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Chula where he served as sunday school teacher and deacon.  Through the 1970’s, he served his community as a member of the Tift County School board.  He helped many people throughout his life, counseling and mentoring young people, especially those in the electrical field.   He was always willing to help friends, neighbors, and even strangers in their time of need.  You could always count on him to brighten your day with a good, clean joke or a happy song. He had a passion for restoring antique automobiles and juke boxes. Most of all he gave to his family, always putting their needs and wishes above his own. In this he gave his all.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Maxine, his father Upshaw Franklin Gibson, his mother Alice Gertrude Harris Gibson, his sister Minnie Lee, and three brothers Tom, Charles, and John.

Dan is survived by: Danny and Terri Gibson of Macon, GA, Brian and Judith Gibson of Warwick GA, Alan Gibson of Palmetto, FL, and Dana Gibson of Palmetto, FL.  He has six grandchildren: Betsy (Ben) Couch of New York, NY, DeKalb Gibson of Atlanta, GA, Ryan (Misty) Gibson of New York, NY, Dustin (Cari) Gibson, Atlanta, GA, Daniel (Katelyn) Gibson of Tifton, GA, and Melissa Gibson of Warwick, GA.  He has three great grandchildren: Walter Eli Couch, Dorothy Malka Margaret Couch, and Ty Jack Gibson.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church of Chula with Rev. Chad Hall and Rev. Brian Allen officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, June 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Albritton Funeral Directors. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Flowers accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Chula, 30 Academy Drive, Chula, Ga. 31733

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.