Thomas Edward Gibbs

Thomas Edward Gibbs, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and family on May 21, 2025. Tommy was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia on May 1, 1953, the youngest son of Lt. Cmdr. William Thomas Gibbs and Demo Lee Gibbs, both of Leslie, Arkansas. He moved to Jacksonville as a small child where he would live the rest of his life. Tommy graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1971, The University of Florida in 1975, and The Franklin Pierce School of Law in 1978. Following law school, Tommy moved back to Jacksonville and began working for The Charter Company. In 1986, he opened the Jacksonville office of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & McCrae. He continued his work as an executive in the insurance industry and as a lawyer until his passing, most recently with his friends and colleagues at Smith, Gambrell & Russell. He was a dedicated alumnus and supporter of the University of Florida having held numerous positions over the years, including Chairman of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Director of the UF Foundation, and Member of the Presidents Council.

In October 1984, Tommy married Margaret and together they moved to Orange Park, where they would live and raise their children. Tommy was a great supporter of St. Johns Country Day School where his children received their primary education. Despite loving their haven at Holly Point, Tommy and Margaret moved back to Jacksonville in 2014 to be closer to friends and family.

In March 2023, Tommy was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Aggressive treatment at The Mayo Clinic allowed Tommy to enjoy two relatively normal years of life, during which he continued to work, cook, travel with his family, attend sporting events at the University of Florida, and play golf and poker with his loyal and cherished friends. He faced this battle with stoicism, grace, and quiet bravery with his loving family and faithful friends by his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his older brothers, Phillip and George. He is survived by his first wife, Flo Hope Mason, his wife, Margaret, his daughters, Katie Schmidt (Brad), Anne Clay McNulty, Finley Chacon (Tony), and Marleigh Gulliford (Tripp), his sons Mark Wilhelm (Jane), Phillip Gibbs (Lauren), William E. Gibbs (Caroline), Walker Gibbs Mason (Emelia), his nieces and nephews, John Gibbs, Sarah Gibbs, William R. Gibbs and Katherine McCombs, and his grandchildren, Alden Gulliford, Madeline Zimmer, Jack McNulty, Thomas Gibbs, Grace McNulty, Sydney Schmidt, James Gibbs, Liam McNulty, Riley Wilhelm, John Schmidt, Clay Wilhelm, Louise Gulliford and Catherine Gibbs.

Tommy was a great family man and true friend. Those who knew him loved him and were loved by him in return. He had a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ that sustained him during his difficult battle with cancer. Tommy’s memorial service will be held May 30, 2025 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Florida Fawbush-Gibbs Endowment.