Philip Gibbs

March 13, 1947 to January 16, 2025

Our dear father, Philip Archel Gibbs, 77, of Lexington, Viriginia went Home to glory on January 16, 2025.

He was born on March 13, 1947, to Russell Killian Gibbs and Bernice Thompson Gibbs in Lake Jackson, Texas. The youngest of four, Dad always had fond memories and fun stories to share of his early years. He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1965. Dad was a proud member of the Brazosport Exporters football team and remained lifelong friends with many of his high school classmates.

A gentleman and a scholar, Dad went on to earn degrees in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin; his Master in Business Administration at The University of Chicago; and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Management Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a lifelong learner who truly enjoyed both learning and sharing his knowledge with others.

After many years in industry, Dad chose to pursue full-time career in teaching at the post-secondary level. He taught at William & Mary University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Military Institute before establishing himself at Washington & Lee University, where he taught for more than 15 years. He was well-respected by students and fellow faculty members alike.

Upon retiring in 2013, Dad remained active in the Lexington community. He dedicated many hours to leading the Science Club at the local elementary school, sharing his passion for science and the natural world with eager young children. He could also be found most days enjoying long walks around the golf course or on the university campus with his beloved Springer Spaniel, Duchess.

Dad left an indelible impact on the lives of so many. He was a man of honor and integrity; a lover of science, history, music, art, and animals; and a dear friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and role model.

He is survived by his sisters, Harriet Johnson and her husband Robert Johnson of Waco, Texas and Sarah Gibbs of Georgetown, Texas; his daughters Ginny Wagner and her husband Paul Wagner, Jr. of Madison, Alabama and Amelia Gibbs of San Antonio, Texas; and his sons Jonathan Gibbs of Madison, Alabama, Michael Gibbs Allar of Austin Texas, and William Gibbs of Lexington, Virginia, as well as five amazing grandchildren, and one adorable great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Killian Gibbs and Bernice Thompson Gibbs, and his brother Russell Killian Gibbs, Jr.

While he lived many places in his lifetime, Dad was a Texan through and through and chose to be laid to rest alongside his beloved parents in Lake Jackson, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lake Jackson at the private residence of one of Dad’s lifelong friends on March 22, 2025 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to your local children’s science museum or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.