Robert Burrows Gibson

1943 - 2026

Robert Burrows Gibson

January 25, 1943 - February 27, 2026

Blairsville, Georgia - The Reverend Robert Burrows Gibson, beloved priest, spiritual counselor, husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully into eternal rest on February 27, 2026, at the age of 83 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on January 25, 1943, in Rochester, NY, Rev. Gibson felt called to the priesthood at a young age. After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University, he completed his theological studies at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and was ordained an Episcopal priest on Palm Sunday in 1969. Rev. Gibson pursued postgraduate studies in Berkeley, CA, before settling in Georgia in 1971, first as chaplain at Woodward Academy in College Park, and then as priest at St. James Episcopal Church in Macon for sixteen years. He furthered his ministry to others by becoming a licensed psychotherapist in the 1980s; spiritual director at Coliseum Psychiatric Hospital for four years; and then chaplain at The Medical Center of Central Georgia where he retired after sixteen years. He was known for ministering throughout his career with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication. As part of his service to others, he was an Education for Ministry (EFM) mentor for almost thirty years, earning the distinction of being the longest-serving EFM mentor at the time. Known as "Dean Bob," he was an endearing and colorful presence at junior camp sessions at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA for many summers. He was active in the Walk to Emmaus community in Macon, at times serving as spiritual director, as well as the Order of St. Luke. Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Gibson enjoyed reading, studying history, and watching British mysteries. His love of history led him to become an American Revolutionary War re-enactor with the New Jersey Light Infantry. He found solace in the outdoors as an avid hunter, fisherman, recreational shooter, and golfer. He loved to plan vacations for his family, especially if it involved a battlefield or historical marker. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Louise Gibson of Hornell, NY, and his sister, Carol Rae Bailey of Rochester, NY. He is survived by his wife, Joy Hearn Gibson of Blairsville, GA; daughters Catherine "Katie" Gibson of Blairsville and Meredith Gibson of Annapolis, MD; grandsons, Adam and Gabriel Farruk of Annapolis; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and parishioners whose lives he touched. Arrangements for the funeral service at St. Clare's Episcopal Church in Blairsville, GA, are still pending. A reception in the fellowship hall will be held afterward for friends and family to celebrate and remember a well lived life. Please check the Mountain View Funeral Home's website (www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com) for updated information. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund or Empyrean Hospice in Rev. Gibson's memory. "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23) Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com