Gibson Jr., Earl C.

Earl C. (Pete) Gibson Jr., died at his home at Claytor Lake, Radford, on Friday, November 1, 2013. Pete was born at Pocahontas, and was the son of the late Earl C. Sr. and Annie Chloe Robertson Gibson, a sister, Helen Shupe, also preceded him in death.

Pete was a 1948 graduate of Graham High School, attended Bluefield College and graduated from Emory and Henry College in 1953, earning a B.S. Degree in Chemistry. He served in the United States Air Force and was commissioned a 2nd Lt at Big Spring, Texas in 1953. He was a fighter pilot and flew F-84’s and the F86-H Sabre Jet.

He was employed by Hercules Inc. for 39 years, retiring in 1992 as a 12MM Manager in the Programs Management Department. His job has taken him to every area of the Propellant Department as well as the Continuous Automated Base Line, the Main Lab and Ballistics.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Mahood Gibson; and his devoted son, Earl C. Gibson III (Sam), who was always by his side; his loving, caring nephew, Harold Thomas Shupe, (Tom) and his wife, Jane; a caring niece, Barbara Parris and husband, Tim and their son, Gregg; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Mahood, Shirley Hudzinski and brother-in-law, James A. Mahood of Bluefield, W.Va.; nurses of ICCU at Carillon New River Medical Hospital; friends at Radford Public Library; special friends at Aly’s Restaurant, Kim and Dale Hancock, Scottie Woolwine; and Pete’s special helper, Alvin Shepard, Patsy and Alex Moses; and all the Home Health and Hospice nurses.

“Safe Flying Dear Pop and Love.”

Graveside services will be held Monday, November 4, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery, Bluefield. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Post #9696. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to be at the cemetery by 1:45 p.m. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Radford Public Library, 30 W. Main Street Radford, VA 24141. Dudley Memorial Mortuary is serving the Gibson family.