Gibson R. Harrell

Gibson Ray Harrell passed away at his home on June 11, 2022. He was 92. Gibson was born on August 24, 1929, in South Norfolk, Virginia, to Raleigh Clinton Harrell and Hattie Taylor Harrell. He was the grandson of Noah B. Harrell and Minnie Tinkam Harrell, and Edward C. Taylor, Jr. and Kiturah Peele Taylor. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 61 years, Pearl Wood Harrell, a sister, and two brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela H. Utz, RN (Kenny), and son, Dr. G. Gregg Harrell (Julie), two granddaughters, Ashley V. Utz, and Lily K. Harrell, three siblings, and a host of nieces and nephews. His was a life well-lived.

Gibson began working at the age of 9, setting up bowling pins and delivering groceries. He survived a near miss lightning strike around this age, which jolted him across the kitchen. He became the Tidewater Marble Champion in 1940, advancing to the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, NJ with chaperones. The youngest champ ever, his trip included a week’s vacation with sight-seeing in New York and a visit to the World’s Fair. While at the Fair, he and his chaperones attended what they thought was a vaudeville show, which turned out to be a strip show. The chaperone’s wife fainted, and he quickly ushered Gibson out, while tending to his poor, shocked wife. Gibson was an outstanding pool player, often accompanying his father to the local pool hall, much to his mother’s chagrin. At the age of 12, he nearly succumbed to the ravages of diphtheria, but recovered fully. He played community league fast-pitch softball with friends, and he jumped from local bridges into deep water for fun.

He graduated from South Norfolk High in 1947, with a perfect school attendance record through all grades. After high school, he continued working to help support his parents, and eventually traveled to Florida with several good friends for some well-deserved free time. After returning to Virginia, Gibson began working at the Ford Motor Company’s Norfolk Assembly Plant, starting on the assembly line. Toward the end of 1950, he was drafted into the Army and prepared for combat duty in Korea with the 101st Airborne Division. Tragedy struck on June 9, 1951, when one of his younger brothers was killed in an auto accident. This sad event changed his military trajectory, as he was allowed to return home for the funeral. Upon returning overseas, he was transferred to Japan for radio school. His combat roll, then on the ground with the 40th Division, became one of communicating necessary reinforcements. After serving his time in the Army, Gibson was honorably discharged in 1953, and gratefully returned home to his job at Ford.

He married Pearl V. Wood on September 7, 1957. Together they built an idyllic life, creating a safe and wonderful home for their family. During this time, Gibson went to night school at Old Dominion and became a certified mathematician. Pearl began working at Ford soon after, and the couple rode to and from work together each weekday. Gibson was an actively supportive father, who loved his children beyond measure. He taught the importance of integrity, reliability, education, and practicality. He was a mentor to many who came to him with questions regarding life’s challenges.

Gibson was eventually promoted to Engineering Change Coordinator. During his years in this position, the Norfolk Assembly Plant had the highest quality rating of any Ford plant in the country. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1991, with over 33 years of service. Pearl retired shortly thereafter. Theirs was truly a marriage of love and dedication. Together they enjoyed their beach home in Corolla Light, (incomparably named Gib’s Pearl), traveling, taking cruises, and spending time with family. Gibson was smart, witty, handsome, ethical, and very generous. He was devoted to his wife and family. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Norfolk, and a long-standing supporter of various charitable causes. He was a good neighbor and a responsible citizen.

Gibson said there were quite a few times that he had cheated death. He was an incredibly strong person, in every way. He lived by a code: do the right thing. Although he experienced numerous remarkable things in his long life, he mostly enjoyed the simple things best of all. Gibson had a delightful way of expressing himself. He was secure in the fact that he always treated people the way he wanted to be treated. His life was a rich tapestry, woven through the hearts of those who loved him: a fearless provider, a loyal husband, a reliable friend, and the very best father one could be lucky enough to have. He will be greatly missed, and we were greatly blessed to have him in our lives.