Ray "Gib" Kelly Gibson Jr.

Gib was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on March 23, 1947, to the late Ray Kelly Gibson Sr. and Dorothy Speck Gibson. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy.

Gib was the founding owner of Gib’s Bar-B-Q and Bar in Louisville, Kentucky, where his passion for good food, fellowship, and bringing people together became a lasting part of his legacy. A talented chef, Gib also took a family recipe and developed his own signature hot sauce, Gib’s Bottled Hell, which became a special part of his culinary legacy.

He was a member of Southeast Christian Church and enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including golf, fishing, hunting, and cooking. Gib had a love for the outdoors and cherished the time spent enjoying these activities with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Kelly Gibson Sr. and Dorothy Speck Gibson, and his brother-in-law, Nicholas L. Leist Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Linda Leist Gibson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Leist Battles and Barbara Leist; nieces, Rosanne Leist Kremer (Aron) and Lauren Battles; and nephews, Mark Leist (Mina) and Bryan Battles.

In accordance with Ray’s wishes, he will be cremated. A service celebrating his life will be held at a later date.

Gib will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, love of cooking, appreciation for the outdoors, and the many lives he touched through friendship, family, and fellowship. His legacy will live on in the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.