Joseph W. Gibson

Born in 1938, Joseph (Joe) grew up amongst his uncles and family members who served in World War II. He spent many childhood months with his grandparents on their farms in North and South Carolina and developed a deep sense of identity with the early rural development of his country. These experiences contributed to his strong patriotic feelings, which endured throughout his lifetime.

Joe graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., where he also served in the Army ROTC. He joined the U.S. Army after graduation where he served twenty-eight years with multiple tours in Germany and Viet Nam. Throughout his military career Joe was awarded a variety of medals including a bronze star, and a purple heart during his time in Viet Nam. While serving in Germany, he met his great love and wife of 58 years, Hildegard (“Hilde”).

Following his retirement from the Army, Joe worked with defense industries, culminating with work for the Institute for Defense Analysis, always working to serve and protect his country. Through Joe’s international work and travels, he gained great appreciation for world history, culture and cuisine, while never forgetting, and always honoring, his Southern roots. During his retirement he also attended the College of William and Mary and earned a master’s degree and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Joe also developed an enduring interest in the plant and animal life around his Williamsburg home. In particular, he became very knowledgeable about the many species of birds that visited his open deck and loved to share this interest with his many visitors.

Joe is survived by his loving family, including his wife Hilde, daughter Diane, son Barron, sister Carol G. Kanner, and brothers David, Steve, Dan, Jack and Charles Gibson, their respective spouses, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene H. and Rachel Hutchison Gibson and one sister, Marian.

A service will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Army Emergency Relief (www.armyemergencyrelief.org), or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org).