Sam Gibbons

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Samuel Forrest Gibbons, 98, passed away peacefully at his home in Algood, TN on Sunday December 14, 2025.

Sam was born on April 10, 1927, in Overton County, TN to the late Edd and Maude (Swallows) Gibbons, and he attended school at Swallows Chapel in Overton County.

Sam was a WWII veteran who served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army in 1946 in Korea and Germany in 1951. After returning from active military duty, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for 40 years. He also owned and operated the Algood Shell station for over 30 years, a division of McGugin Oil Company. After retirement, he continued working part-time as manager of Rolling Meadows apartments in Algood, TN.

Sam was a strong man of faith and a member of Washington Avenue Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon in 1956 at Algood First Baptist Church, where he was also a founding member. He later served as deacon at Washington Avenue, where the family currently attends. He was also an active member of the Algood Lion’s Club and the Algood Jaycees for many years. Sam was a long-time supporter of Tennessee Tech athletics, attending basketball games at the old TTU Memorial Gym before he became a season ticket holder when the Hooper Eblen Center opened in 1977.

Perhaps his greatest life accomplishment was his role as husband, father, and “Pa Pa” to those he loved. Sam is survived by his loving wife of over 74 years, Onda Waites Gibbons, son Philip Gibbons (wife Sue), grandchildren Julie Draper (husband Davis) and Leann Huddleston (husband Joey), great-grandchildren Eli & Hope Huddleston and Cru Draper, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he treasured. He is preceded in death by his parents Edd and Maude, siblings Lillian, Reba, and Roy, and infant daughter Cathy Jo.

The family would like to express a sincere thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the care they provided, and a special thanks to nurse Jeremy Dunn for going above and beyond to provide exceptional care in Sam’s final days. 

Visitation and services will be held on Tuesday, December 16 at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. with service to follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Mark Gaw will officiate.  Interment with military honors will follow at Algood City Cemetery.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.