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Harold David Gibson Sr.
UPCOMING SERVICE
Harold Gibson Obituary
Harold David Gibson, Sr., 92, of Gloucester, VA, passed away on October 3, 2025.
Dr. Gibson was born on August 12, 1933, and grew up in Norton, VA. He spent most of his adult life in Richmond. He was an active member and leader at River Road Church, Baptist, and in a Kiwanis Club in Richmond. Dr. Gibson served his country in the United States Army.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was much loved by family and friends, known for being a true Southern gentleman and for his positive outlook. He was called "Happy" by his grandchildren.
Dr. Gibson spent his career as an educator serving as principal of Westhampton Elementary School, Clover Hill High School, and as assistant superintendent for Chesterfield Public Schools. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Richmond, and his master's and doctorate degrees in education at William & Mary. He was a pioneer in the use of computers in public education.
He enjoyed fly fishing, watching Richmond Spiders basketball, spending time with family at Sunset Beach, NC, and tinkering with old radios, and reading.
Dr. Gibson was preceded in death, by his parents, Isaac Newton Gibson and Leah Lucinda Shortt, and he is survived by his wife, Joyce Still Gibson; sons, Harold David Gibson Jr. (Sherry), James Newton Gibson (Dana), Kenneth William Gibson (Beth); grandson, John "Jack" Kenneth Gibson; granddaughters, Katherine Elizabeth Gibson, Ellen Paige Gibson, and Emily Catherine Gibson.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Sanders Assisted Living, Heron Cove Skilled Nursing, and hospice caregiver Megan Mooney.
Family and friends will be received at River Road Church Baptist Fellowship Hall in Richmond, VA at an 11:30 a.m. reception Saturday, October 11. Funeral services will be held at River Road Church, Baptist sanctuary at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 11, followed by burial at Westhampton Cemetery on Patterson Avenue. Pastors Daniel Bagby and Daniel Glaze will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Wesley Childress
Yesterday
Harold Gibson is special to so many ... in so many ways. Clover was a "new concept 'open' high school" when it opened in 1972. The first year was somewhat "unique ... to say the least", but Harold came on board the next year and was in many ways, the one person capable of "getting us on track". He surprised me by naming me as chair of the math dept (a position I had for 27 years). I always valued an education, and it was always a real joy to hear Harold speak ... he never embarrassed us (the faculty) ... but it was more than his intellect ... you could always see a wry humor in eyes. He was the consummate mentor for me. We both attended the University of Richmond and I, over time, was an adjunct at VCU (as was Joyce ... who was integral part of who Harold is). In more recent years Bev and I would see Harold and Joyce at University of Richmond football games, as we sat in the same section. I guess I am responding today because I just feel I that it needs to be said that Harold was more than just "a life well-lived" ... to a lot of people ... Dr. Harold Gibson ... made a difference.
Sherry Henley
October 8, 2025
Dr. Gibson was the greatest principal i have ever had..Like everyone has said he made ALL his students feel very important..Fly High Dr. GIBSON BECAUSE I KNOW YOULL BE THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY..PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY
George Rickman
October 7, 2025
Early in the existence of Clover Hill High Dr. Gibson allowed me.to.be Foreign Language -Chair. An even thinking and friendly man, he will be missed
My condolences to his family.
George Rickman
Josh Adams
October 7, 2025
Dr. Gibson was always kind and friendly to all the students at Clover Hill High School.
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