Joel Larry Gibbs

Joel was born in Atlanta, but later in life kept his circle close to home in Cobb and Douglas Counties. He is best known for being seen in his overalls but would gladly wear a suit when needed (although most people said they almost didn’t recognize him then).

Joel was a small business trailblazer, learning from his successful parents, Hugh and Mamie Gibbs as well as other wise, successful entrepreneurs of Cobb and Douglas County as he traveled with his father as a child and then continued to seek out their advice as he grew into his own. Joel worked many jobs from a young man at a tire store, as an EMT and Firefighter, being the youngest to drive a fire truck in Douglas County at the time. Joel was a garbage man, a supervisor at Dynatron Bondo, worked at the family car lot, eventually owning the car lot, opening his own commercial janitorial business, which grew into a successful business. Joel was on the Douglas County Board of Directors from 1994 – 2002 and recognized for his contributions. Joel was also recognized by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service and investment while working on several projects and committees. Joel developed a soil amendment business which was the best dirt around that you could buy. Later Joel started West Georgia Shavings and then Georgia Shavings to deliver “trigger his toilet paper” to horse barns across North Georgia. His shaving truck was well known on the streets. Joel was recognized by the YAARB Shrine from 2011 – 2019 as a Silver Sponsor for support of the YAARB Shrine’s Annual Circus/Carnival. Rosie the elephant enjoyed seeing Joel with his Georgia Shavings each year. Joel also bought and sold property and managed rental properties. One of Joel’s greatest accomplishments was his willingness to mentor future generations of business people and share his knowledge with all who wanted to learn from his vast experiences.

Joel will be remembered for his knowledge and love of cars, for being a historian who knew “all things Austell”, for being an endless storyteller, who could place you in the middle of the memory, for being able to make you laugh, for his ability, during business deals, to bring people together with the goal that everyone ended up with a positive outcome. Wherever Joel went, he was known for striking up a conversation with anyone in order to “connect the dots” to find shared acquaintances, and the majority of the time he did, no matter where he was. His legacy will live on in the many lives he encountered, provided counsel, support, a laugh, or shared a story.

Joel is survived by his devoted and loving “better half” Kristie Parks Crump: shared children Kera Norman, Kyle (Alisha) Crump, Carly Jennings (Josh Stowe), siblings: brother Barry Gibbs, shared sister Kim Parks (Sharon Denny), shared brother Keith (Mimi) Parks, shared mother Peggy Parks, shared grandchildren Brady Jennings, Jesse Jennings, Lawson Stowe, nephews Blair (Kendra) Gibbs, Blake (Lori) Gibbs, Bennett (Kayla) Gibbs, shared nieces Sierra Parks, Marissa Parks, great nieces Aria Gibbs and Elle Gibbs, great nephews Henry Gibbs, Samuel Gibbs, Baylor Gibbs, Hatcher Stevenson and many other cousins, family members and dear longtime friends and confidantes.

Joel was preceded in death by his father Hugh B Gibbs, mother Mamie Lou Farlow Gibbs, and shared son Kyle Norman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd's Rest Ministries, 770-443-5213 or online at: https://www.shepherdsrestministries.net/ways-to-help

Visitation will be held at Whitley Garner at Rosehaven Funeral and Cremations, 8640 Rose Ave, Douglasville, GA 30134, on Saturday August 22, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

On Sunday, August 23, 2026 visitation will be from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm with the funeral service at 2:00 pm. After the funeral, the family will take the procession to Austell for one last drive by the home place and Gibbs Motors location before heading to Sunrise Gardens for interment. Those who wish to, may continue in the procession, or may go directly to Sunrise Gardens for the burial.

As a tribute to Joel and his love of classic and hot rod cars, those joining the procession to the cemetery are invited to drive their classic or hot rod cars.