John William “Billy” Gibson

John William “Billy” Gibson of Troy died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services for Mr. Gibson will be held Friday, January 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm from the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Troy with Reverend David Kirby officiating. Burial will follow in Mossy Grove Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Charlie’s Angles.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Dillard Funeral Home in Troy.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Jean T. Gibson, his children and their spouses Susan G. and Bennie Jinright and Johnny and Tonya Gibson, his granddaughter Kaylin Gibson, two sisters Beulah G. Blanton and Patty Gibson, a sister-in-law Barbara Gibson, several nieces and nephews, his faithful caregiver Della Tuck.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Beulah Gibson, his sisters Virginia G. Hall and Valeria G. Wells, his brothers Russell Gibson Jr. and Gussie Gibson.

A native of Troy he graduated from Troy High School attended Troy State Teachers College and later graduated from The University of Alabama and the University of Alabama Law School. He practiced Law in Troy for 38 years before serving as Pike County Probate Judge as well and a Commissioner for the city of Troy. He also served as the Dean of the Masters Program in Criminal Justice for Troy State University.

He was a World War II Veteran and received 2 purple hearts and a Bronze Star with Oak leaf Cluster for his services in the Battle of The Bulge, He also receive a Combat Infantry Badge and numerous other medals.

He was a founding director of Pike Manor Nursing Home. He was also instrumental in bringing Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky to pike county. He was active in numerous civic organizations around Pike County and the State of Alabama

Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Jordan, Willie Parker, David Gibson, Stuart Wells, Russell Gibson III and Hugh Finley.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Pike County Humane Society, P.O. Box 296, Troy, AL 36081, Pike County United Way, P.O. Box 204, Troy, Al 36081, or the Mossy Grove Memorial Trust c/o Mandy Young, 208 Green Drive, Troy, AL 36079.

To sign our online guestbook please visit our website at www.dillardfh.com.