Mr. Willie Louis Gibson of 237 Irwinville Road, Abbeville, Georgia, died Friday, February 6, 2026, at Emory Hospital Warner Robins in Warner Robins, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the New Travelers Home Baptist Church in Abbeville, Georgia.  The burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Willie Louis Gibson, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, was born to Leonard and Mary Gibson on October 22, 1944, in Wilcox County, Abbeville, Georgia.  He departed this earthly realm on February 6, 2026, at Emory Hospital in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Louis, or "Gip" as he was called, attended public school in Abbeville, Georgia where he garnered much attention and review from his teachers and classmates alike for being the most rambunctious and master prankster of any kid his age and beyond! (lol)  Academics were not his favorite thing; however, he made it through to enter a world of challenges and experiences.

His strict upbringing and guidance by his parents and grandmother led him to be baptized into fellowship at an early age.  He joined the New Travelers Home Baptist Church, attending until he became a young man and moved away.

Louis moved to Passaic, New Jersey  and obtained employment at various steel and rubber companies.  He later moved to the sunshine state of Groveland, Florida where he flourished and prospered in the citrus manufacturing industry.

Finally, he realized his God given gift of artistic craftsmanship and entrepreneurial abilities, for which he had great passion. The artistic gift and abilities sharpened and took him into many areas of his life's work, which included carpentry skills, woodworking projects, and leather designs.

His most favorite past times included fishing, spending time with family and friends sharing his life stories, tinkering with his cars and trucks,   playing the lottery, and watching CNN. (lol)

Through his journey of 81 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering spirit of perseverance.  He never forgot the power of grace and mercy of Almighty God whom he called upon fervently during his valiant fight to survive his affliction.  All praise and Glory be to our God!

He leaves a legacy of love and shared generosity, and willingness to offer a hand to anyone he could. His daughter- Evangelist Stephanie Gibson proceeded him in transition, as well as his father- Leonard Gibson Sr., and three siblings, Mary Lou Gibson, Raymond Gibson, and Leonard Gibson Jr.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his mother, Mary Gibson, his children: Calvin Gibson (Lisa), Willie Denard Gibson, Tynilo Butler, Gabrian Boyd, Paul Gibson, and Bobby Colson. Surviving siblings include: Susie Irvin (Eddie), Groveland, Florida, Thomas Gibson (Barbara), Clifton, New Jersey, Larry Gibson, McDonough, Georgia, Beverly Taylor, Stockbridge, Georgia, Gail Gibson, Ellenwood, Georgia, Diann Morris (Joseph), Locust Grove, Georgia, and Vanessa Scott (Frank), Pollocksville, North Carolina; fourteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; a very special friend and confidant,  Jackie Cook, also Leo Jackson, and Joyce Thornton (Peaches); two very special nephews, Donald Gibson and Eddie Irvin Jr., along with two faithful and thoughtful neighbors, Deacon Joe Benjamin and Justin Jones.

We will always cherish the kaleidoscope of loving memories and devotion he left us and they will remain in our hearts eternally.