Carl Franklin Gibbons

Carl was born on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and later made his home in Hampton, where he grew up and built a life rooted in service, family, and hands-on passions. He retired in 1995 from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after a long career in civil service as a electrician and radar technician. In addition to his civilian career, Carl proudly served in the Virginia Army National Guard for 27 years, retiring in 1985 with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC).

In retirement, Carl stayed busy doing what he loved most. He found peace working in his garden, satisfaction woodworking in his garage, and enjoyment delivering automobiles for Casey Automotive. A lifelong fan of NASCAR, Carl had a deep love for fast cars. In his younger years, he owned several hot rods and competed in drag racing events—memories he cherished and enjoyed sharing. He loved watching the History Channel and Channel 112 for his old western movies and cowboy shows. If you brought Carl anything chocolate his day was immediately better.

Above all else, Carl loved his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and never failed to bring a smile to his face. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Franklin Gibbons and Julia Marie Tatum Gibbons.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Linda Lee Gibbons; his children Teresa Gibbons, Brian W. Gibbons (Cindy), Lisa G. Tarver (Gene), and Monique S. Deshotel (Ben); his grandchildren Brian W. Gibbons Jr. (Shawna), Ashley Romero (Lucas), Kyle Morris, Dillon Tarver (Katie), Devin Tarver (Erin),

Taylor Deshotel (Caitlin), and Jacquelyn Deshotel (Grant); and his great grandchildren James Jones, Brian Gibbons III, Theo Gibbons, Olivia Morris, Noah Tarver, Cullen Tarver, Amelia Tarver, Atlas Tarver, Eleanor Tarver, Rowan Deshotel, Audrey Deshotel, Evelyn Fletcher, and Millie Fletcher.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park, located at 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia, 23666. The service is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.