SAMUEL L. GIBBS, SR.

May 9, 2014

 

Mr. Samuel L. Gibbs, Sr., 86, known to many of his friends and associates as “Buddy”, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2014 at Beth Sholom.

Buddy was born in Fairfield, NC to Olian and Susan Baum Gibbs. He was a member of the Norfolk Gideon Camp, an organization that places Bibles throughout the world. It was his desire to see that many Memorial Bibles were placed where people could have access to the Word of God. Buddy has lived most of his life in Old Norfolk County and Princess Anne County.

Buddy was a retired general contractor, the owner and operator of Samuel L. Gibbs Corporation. His work included Federal, Municipal, Industrial, and private contracts. He was better known as a Gospel singer and a licensed recording artist. Prior to entering the radio and TV ministry he studied voice at Old Dominion College. He was grateful for his vocal training and for the many talented accompanists that worked with him through many years of his singing career, however, he would tell you quickly that his singing ability was a God given talent. He recorded many sacred songs and enjoyed working for the Lord. His ministry included over thirteen years as soloist for Sweethaven Telecast on Wavy TV, over twenty years as soloist for the Word of Promise on WCMS Radio. For a number of years he sang as requested for The Wesleymen Bible Class on radio and television programs in the Tidewater area. He was soloist for numerous religious crusades, including a crusade in South Korea.

For over forty years Buddy was presented as a Christian entertainer, however, his favorite personal appearances were made in churches and concert halls. It was with great joy he sang to glorify God, his Savior. His only regret, “I wish I could have done more to honor and serve the Lord”. In addition to his personal appearances, his singing ministry included many secular engagements for different organizations.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eleanor; two sons, Samuel L. “Bert” Gibbs, Jr. (JoEllen) and Jay McQuitty (Jacqueline); daughter, Dawn Elaine Gibbs; two grandchildren, Jonathan Gibbs (Lisa) and Samantha Gibbs Allen (Bobby); four great-grandchildren, James, Christopher, Dakota and Brant; sister, Sarah G. Curling as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Alethia Pauline Gibbs, Claudia Marie Toonk, Dora G. McCoy and Martha Forehand.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Beth Sholom, Jewish Family Services and Hospice and Palliative Care for the loving care and attention given to Buddy.

The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel on Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel by Rev. Ernest L. Trueblood and Rev. Dave Libengood. Interment will follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Norfolk Gideon Camp, P.O. Box 12271, Norfolk, VA 23509. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.