Gerald Wayne Gibson

Mr. Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Gibson, age 52 of Atlanta, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Mr. Gibson was born in Griffin, Georgia on June 6, 1961. He is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Wayne Gibson, Sr.; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wafe Gibson, Mr. Raymond Thomas Fuller and Mrs. Elizabeth Fuller Harrison, all of LaGrange, Georgia; his step father, Dr. Joel Cox, Sr. of Griffin. Mr. Gibson is survived by his son, Jonathon Wayne Gibson of Ragland, Alabama; his mother, Mrs. Loraine Cox Herbert and step father, Mr. John L.G. Herbert; his sisters, Kathryn Loraine Harper and husband, Rick of Jasper, Georgia, Eliza Miriam VanOoyen of Griffin, Mrs. Ashley Gibson Wynn and husband, Chuck of Griffin, Mrs. Kellie Gibson Roberts and husband, Derrick of Logansville, his step mother, Mrs. Kathy Ryan Bourque of Logansville; niece, Hunter Nicole Donahue; nephews, Keevan Walter Donahue, Brynn Goen and Charlie Wynn; other beloved family members, Mr. William Traylor Johnson, aunts, uncles and cousins. Jerry graduated from Griffin High School in 1980. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing tennis, was an excellent swimmer and diver and was Georgia State Diving Champion for two years. In 1981 he entered the United States Navy along with his best friend, Greg Pitts. Following boot camp, he attended the Navy Hospital Corpsman School in San Diego, California where he was accepted into the Navy’s SEAL BUDS (basic underwater demolition school.) He was so dedicated to SEALS that during the last stages of the rigid training program, while attempting to complete a timed underwater maneuver in full uniform and heavy gear, he was twice lifted from underwater and resuscitated when, seconds from completing his assigned task, he voluntarily remained submerged and continued to swim until he became unconscious. He then completed his four years of active duty as a Navy Corpsman. His greatest joy as a Corpsman was his assignment to the neonatal unit where he performed tests and cared for newborn and premature babies. Following his service in the Navy, Jerry attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He entered the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1988. He attended the U.S. Army Airborne School School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Upon completion of ROTC his specified field was an Army Transportation Corps. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant and served in the Army Reserves. His unit was mobilized in preparation to enter the first Gulf War which was ended just prior to their deployment. The greatest love Jerry’s life and his greatest pride was his son, Jonathon, with whom he maintained a close and loving relationship. He was a loving and protective brother to his four sisters, whom he loved to tease. Throughout his lifetime, he remained close to his mother, phoning her faithfully during his travels and sharing happy experiences. He is also survived by his son’s mother, Mrs. Joy Germany Murphy, who he continued to respect and love for the wonderful mother she has been for all the years following their marriage. Jerry loved his family and his many friends and was always seeking to help anyone in need. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. According to his wishes, he will be buried at sea, where he felt so at home, finding there, beauty, comfort, serenity, joy and peace. There will be a memorial service at 11:00am on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Griffin. Friends may visit with Jerry’s family beginning at 10:00am in the First Baptist Welcome Center and other times at the residence of 1124 Pine Valley Rd, Griffin. Those who wish, may make memorials to the Ronald McDonald House, 795 Gatewood Road, NE • Atlanta, GA 30329 or to Stepping Stones, 141 Futral Road, Griffin, GA. 30224 or to The Grady Health Foundation, 191 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 820, Atlanta, GA 30303 in memory of Jerry.

Gerald Wayne Gibson

June 6, 1961 - March 27, 2014