E. L. Gibbs Jr.

Eddie L. Gibbs, Jr. “E. L.” 91, of the Allen’s Cross Roads Community, died on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015 at his home. Mr. Gibbs was born on January 29, 1924 in Jackson County to Mr. E. L. Gibbs Sr. and Lena Pesnell Gibbs. He was married to Ida Robert Barclift Gibbs for 68 years. A veteran of WWII, Mr. Gibbs retired from the Alabama Army National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major – a rank he was the first to achieve in the state of Alabama. He served his country for almost 40 years. During WWII, he served in the 483rd Anti-aircraft and Artillery Division of the United States Army. He spent 34 months fighting throughout the Pacific Theatre including Iwo Jima. He also served during the Korean War. He served on the board of the Marshall County ARC for 18 years, and was President for 2 years. He was instrumental in obtaining funding and the current location for the ARC facility. He also was a member of the founding group who established the Brindlee Mountain Water Authority, and served as the first Chairman of that group. He is survived by his wife, Ida Bob Gibbs; four daughters and in-laws – Patsy Gibbs, Bobbie Long (Ron Streible); Amanda Maze (Danny); Gina Walley (Jim). Five grandchildren and spouses, Danielle Maze Groves (Eric); Sam Maze (Candice); Louis Walley, Anna Walley and Beth Streible; one great-grandchild, Mason Brown Groves; a sister, Carolyn Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents: E. L. Senior, and Lena Gibbs, and three sisters, Irene Qualls, Donna Smith and Inez Bright. Funeral service was 3 pm Friday, November 13, 2015 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel with Brother Bryan Mosley, officiating; songs by Tim Maze. Burial with full military honors was at Mountain View Cemetery, Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Louis Walley, Sam Maze and Eric Groves; nephews Mark Black, Stok Black, Jackie Bright, Gary Smith and Doc Smith. Visitation was 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marshall County ARC or Hospice of Marshall County.

E. L. Gibbs Jr.

January 29, 1924 - November 11, 2015