ROCKINGHAM — Calvin Nelson Gibson, 94, of Rockingham went to his heavenly on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at home.
He was born Dec. 16, 1928, to John Nelson and Charlotte Jeanette McDonald Gibson.
Calvin was a Christian and was an exemplary example of how to work hard, live kindly, and serve God in everything. He was a lifelong member of Beaver Dam United Methodist Church where he centered his family’s life around church services and activities. Calvin enthusiastically served Beaver Dam in many capacities over the years including Sunday school teacher, chairman of the Administrative Board, chairman of the Board of Trustees, treasurer, certified lay leader, custodian and groundskeeper.
He graduated from Hoffman School in 1945 and was the remaining class member. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a proud active member of the American Legion Post 147 with 70 years of consecutive membership.
Calvin retired from McDonald Grocery of Hamlet after more than 60 years of loyal service where his customers became his friends. He was an exceptionally talented jack of all trades and could find a way to make or repair anything he needed. He was a certified locksmith and a former member of the N.C. Locksmith Association.
Calvin married Mary Alice Gibson, daughter of Alvah R. and Hattie Belle Kirkley Gibson, on Aug. 30, 1949, and was happily married for 54 years. Together they reared four daughters who survived him: Valeria (Richard) Lunceford; Beth Gibson McQueen; Susan (Rev. Terry) Cornelius; Tracy Ezzell (Saon Cheramie).
He was Papa to Hattie (Danny) Reep; Aimee (Michael) Eason; William (Brandi) Lunceford; Joseph (Erica) Cornelius; Michael (Leah) Ezzell; Nathan (Shaina) Ezzell; Grayson (Ashley) McQueen; and Alana (Joshua) Leviner. He was Great Papa or Papa Calvin to Kristi, DeLani, and Lexi Reep; Cody and James Eason; Tobey Lunceford; Kolby Price; Dakota Deaver; Ella and Scarlett Cornelius; Clark, Kaydance, and Riley Ezzell; Bradley, Emeryn, and John Leviner.
In addition, he is survived by son-in-law, Randy Ezzell; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gibson Wentz; nieces, nephews; Gibson and McDonald cousins.
Calvin treasured all his family and tried to be involved with his children, grand and great-grandchildren, visit his cousins and stay in touch with all.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, John Nelson and Charlotte McDonald Gibson; an infant sister, Virginia Gray; brother and sister-in-law, Elwin and Peggy Gibson; in-laws, Alvah R. and Hattie Belle Gibson; brother-in-law, Richard Wentz; great-grandchildren, Autumn Eason, Cooper Ezzell, Adalyn Leviner, and Baby Ezzell; and his love with whom he has reunited, Mary Alice.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church with the Rev. Terry Cornelius officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with the Rev. Bill Monroe officiating.
The family will receive friends Friday, May 12, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times his home on 702 McDonald Church Road, Rockingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, 702 McDonald Church Road, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
A special thank you to Mrs. Deborah Malloy for the loving care and friendship she provided. Thank you also to the staff of Richmond County Hospice for their excellent nursing services and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Gibson family.
