Willis Ray Gibson, 80, of Bladenboro went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 17, 2024. He was born in Bladen County on March 13, 1944 the son of the late Wilbert Lonnie Gibson and Alma Autry Gibson. He was preceded by his parents and siblings, W.L. Gibson, Jack Gibson, Buddy Gibson, James Gibson, Mattie Jane Feltwell, Christine Smith, Carol Hewitt, and Eula Mae Packer.
Left to cherish his memory are daughter, Teresa Gibson McLean and husband Bruce of Bladenboro, two granddaughters: Whitney and Georgianna Mclean; step daughter, Debbie Edwards; step grandchildren: LeAnn Hester (Cory), Sam Edwards; step great grandchildren: Maggie Edwards, Holland Hester and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Willis Ray was a loving father, grandfather and uncle. He adored his family but especially his daughter Teresa and his dear granddaughters, Whitney and Georgianna. They were his life. He was a proud father-in-law to his son-in-law Bruce. Willis was known for his love of sports especially of his Carolina Heels Team, the Bladenboro Bulldogs, and the West Bladen Knights. He enjoyed nothing better than to watch Whitney play volleyball or the Heels take a win over Duke. He was a proud supporter of his beloved home town Bladenboro and could often be found helping at the schools or attending hometown events. He traveled with the Kinlaw Insurance Softball team and assisted with their games. He enjoyed his fur babies, Citrus, Ginger, Daisy Mae and Annie. Willis Ray will always be remembered for his love of the game and his friendly smile that he shared with everyone he met.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at New Light Church in Bladenboro followed by a 3 pm funeral service with the Reverend Cory Hester and Reverend Allen Thompson Jr. officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro.
At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Debbie Edwards, 157 Luther Brisson Rd, Bladenboro, NC.