Charles Ray Gibbs

1946 - 2024

Charles Ray Gibbs was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on Sunday, June 30, while at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old. Charles was born in Forest, Mississippi, on January 16, 1946, to Herbert Lee and Maggie Lee Graham Gibbs and was the youngest of their four children. He graduated from Forest High School in 1964 and then attended East Central Junior College and Mississippi College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1967- 1970. While serving in Wichita, Kansas, he began attending Sharon Baptist Church, where he met Mary Katherine (Kathy) Roberts, who would become his wife of 54 years. They were married on March 7, 1970, and moved to Clinton, Mississippi, soon after. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Clarice; and his brother, Billy.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Julie Welch (Jerry), David Gibbs (Jennifer Richardson), and Brent Gibbs (Jennifer Murphy); his grandchildren, Tyler Welch (Emily Grace), Gibson Welch, Carter Gibbs, Maggie Welch, Caroline Gibbs, Olivia Gibbs, Devin Gibbs, Blake Gibbs, and Kendall Gibbs; his brother, Jimmy Gibbs (Linda); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Charles was affectionately known as Charles Ray, Charlie, Uncle Chuck and Papa. His greatest love was being with his family and grandchildren. He loved coaching sports and enthusiastically cheering on his kids and grandkids over the years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed weekly lunches with his friends. He was active in his church and community and was always quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved a good laugh and enjoyed winning people over with his quick wit. His "claim to fame" was being the first person in Mississippi to contract West Nile Virus in July 2022. By God's grace, he survived and lived 22 more fun-filled years.

A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church at 100 College Street, Clinton, Mississippi, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3. Friends were invited to a visitation at FBC, Clinton, with the family on Tuesday from 5 until 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. A graveside service followed at Lakewood Memorial Park, located at 6011 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Hearts of Compassion Adoption/Orphan Care Ministry of Colonial Heights. You can give online at www.colonialheights.org/give or mail a check to Colonial Heights Baptist Church, 444 Northpark Drive, Ridgeland, MS, 39157.