GIBBS M. PREVOST D.D.S

PREVOST, GIBBS M., D.D.S - age 95, of Knoxville, left this life and joined the Lord Jesus Christ on February 26, 2014. He is reunited with his wife of 61 years, Nancy Yokeley Prevost, who preceded him in death. Gibbs was dedicated to serving God, loving his family, and fellow man. He loved dentistry, as it was his life's occupation and passion from 1950 until 2011. He was instrumental in the founding of a multi-disciplined clinic to diagnose and treat children with cleft lips and palates in conjunction with the University of Tennessee Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology. This led to its national prominence as a leader in the treatment of hearing and speech disorders. He was active in several dental organizations, and was president of the Tennessee Dental Association, president of the Second District Dental Society, delegate to the American Dental Association, trustee for the Tennessee Dental Association, president of the UT Dental Alumni Association, as well as numerous other councils and committees. He was the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the University of Tennessee Outstanding Alumnus Award and the Jack Wells Memorial Dedication to Dentistry Award. This is the highest award in organized dentistry in Tennessee and recognizes one dentist annually for humanitarian and civic service, clinical excellence in dentistry, and service to dental education. He enjoyed the Optimist Club of Knoxville which mirrored his upbeat, positive, and humorous outlook on life. Dr. Prevost was a decorated officer of the 34th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in WW II, receiving the Purple Heart with Cluster, Expert Marksmanship Award, and special recognition as a sniper. He was honorably discharged with the rank of major. Born November 5, 1918, he is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Robert Ward Prevost and Minnie Delk Prevost; wife; brother, James Bryce Prevost; sisters Nancy Ness and Martha Pethel. He is survived by brother, Robert Ward Prevost, Jr., M.D.; children, Lynn Chonko (Gene), Patricia Gallaher (Patrick), and Gibbs M. Prevost, Jr., D.D.S. (Susan); grandchildren, Cassie and Greg Chonko, Lydia, Phillip, and Gabriella Prevost; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to friends Barbara Woodard and Kimbrough Anen for their care and companionship to Gibbs. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Knoxville, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, Tennessee officiated by Reverend Dave Ward, Reverend Billy W. Wallace, and Dr. Tom Ogburn. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church sanctuary. Full military honors will be presented at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2014, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the University of Tennessee Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, or the Henry Naff Scholarship Fund of the Optimist Club of Knoxville. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.