John Lee Gipson Jr.

John Lee Gipson, Jr. - age 91, born November 29, 1920 in Laurel, MS, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2012, in Wilmer, Alabama. Mr. Gipson was a World War II veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific Theater was a member of the 1st Marine Division, 11th Regiment, seeing action in the Battle for Peleliu where he received a Purple Heart, the Okinawa campaign, and the occupation of China. He was very proud of his service and enjoyed talking to others about his time in the service of his country. Following the war, Mr. Gipson worked for Scott Paper/ Kimberly Clarke retiring after 25 years of service. He was a former member of Parkway Congregational Methodist Church and was a member of Wilmer Baptist Church for the last 20 years. Mr. Gipson was a traveling layminister who volunteered with the Waterfront Rescue Mission. He was a natural musician who enjoyed singing at special events and church and instilled his love of music in his children as well. He loved to travel especially to the Smoky Mountains and the beach, and had made one trip to the Holy Land. Mr. Gipson was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leona Gipson; brothers, Odell Gipson and Arnold Gipson; sister, Inell Hillman; and sons, Marshall Gipson, Kenneth Gipson, and Michael Gipson. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Violet Gipson; sons, John Gipson, III (Carma) and James Gipson (Cathy); daughters, Gail Todd (William), Donna Morgan (Donnie), and Sharon Bexley (Jimmy); 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held from Wilmer Baptist Church on Monday, June 25, 2012, at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, June 24, from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered at www.mmgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Alabama 36619.