John Cornwell Gibson was born in Troy, S.C., the first of three children. He graduated from Newberry College with a cum laude degree in Chemistry. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army 17th armored Engineering Battalion where he was called to provide relief, due to a Hurricane in the Netherlands and learned to flock, precipitate, filter, and treat water and developed a love of Chemistry. Following his honorable discharge, he worked for the Southern Cotton Seed Oil Company (Which became Hunt Wesson Company) in Savannah, GA and met and married Grace Irene Gordon Gibson in May of 1959. He also worked for Atlas Chemical in Chattanooga C&T Refinery in Charlotte, N.C. and the State Environmental Protection Agency through Mecklenburg County Environmental Health Department until his retirement in 1995.
John was a well-liked respected man of many talents including storytelling extraordinaire, farming, hunting, chemistry, auto mechanics, and bookkeeping. He was a provider, animal lover, problem solver, and very attentive son, brother, and grandfather.
John is survived by his children, David (Susan) of Harrisburg, N.C., Barbara (Willis) of Charlotte, N.C., and Maggie (Robert) of Lincolnton, N.C.; his grandchildren, Nik, Emily, Daniel, Sarah, Savannah, and Hunter along with his Sibling, Sarah (Ashleigh); and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A private burial will be followed by a Service of Remembrance with Military honors being held at 2 o’clock PM Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Bethel ARP Church, 101 N. Zion Street, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180. The family will receive friends after the service in the church.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Gibson family.