William Russell Gibbings

William Russell (Bill) Gibbings, aged 85, son of Gladys (Bullock) and Percy (Bud) Gibbings, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 17, 2025. He died looking at “his river” and holding the hands of his wife of 64 years (Joyce), son (David), and daughter (Elisabeth). They kept their promise to get him home.

Bill was a proud graduate of Granby High School (1957) and the Virginia Military Institute (Class of 61), later earning a Master of Engineering. He was both a Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor, receiving commendation from the Commander Atlantic Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command in appreciation for 29 years of service. Other honors were received from the Commander Construction Battalions U.S. Atlantic Fleet for Jamaica Flood Relief (1979) and the United Task Force Somalia Operation Restore Hope (1993). He was a Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Bill traveled the globe, both as part of his work for LANTDIV (now NAVFAC Atlantic) and for pleasure, climbing to the height of Grand Teton in Wyoming (1974), the depths of the Grand Canyon in Arizona (2000), and crossing the Arctic Circle (1984). He sailed to all of the Caribbean Islands, visited all 50 states and United States Territories, as well as over 2 dozen other countries.

He loved sailing, woodworking, reading, history, and sharing his wisdom with others — whether they were ready for or seeking that wisdom or not. He was a volunteer at the Mariner’s Museum, using his woodworking expertise to build their deadrise boats and helping to organize the research for their USS Monitor exhibit. In addition to being a member of the Bronze Door Society at the Mariner’s Museum, he was a generous supporter of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Jamestown Discovery, Preservation Virginia, Brandywine Battlefield (PA) and other historical battlefield groups. A member of the Hampton Yacht Club since the mid-1970s, he constructed display items and benches there. However, at HYC, he most enjoyed racing his sailboat, Jonathan, playing Race Committee Mark Boat on his powerboat,Thomas, and spending time with friends while having a Red Stripe and debating the hot issues.

Once Bill retired and did not have a weekly schedule to control him, he needed a way to mark Friday’s arrival. So, he developed a tradition he named “Beer and Cookies.” Every Friday at 4:30, the front door in their Virginia Beach home would open and he and his wife, Joyce, would welcome neighbors, classmates from college and earlier, fellow sailors, former co-workers, and even friends of their adult children to have beer, wine, snacks, and camaraderie. Furry friends were also welcome! Every other day of the week, he would have a beer 4:30, keeping Joyce company while she prepared his dinner. His favorite beer was any type of DogfishHead. He had a proud collection of an empty one of every beer ever released by Sam Calagione lining the window sills of his expansive workshop. Sam was kind enough to do a limited re-release of his favorite, Sixty-One, this year. On the night of his passing, many friends and family gathered to raise a toast in his honor. A filled beer stein was left at his seat in his memory.

Bill is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Stillman), daughter Elisabeth, and son David. He was a proud grandfather to Jonathan, Thomas, Sarah, and Jordan and great grandfather to Mabel. He graciously welcomed son-in-law, Doug, daughter-in-law, Stacey, and grand daughter-in-law, Emma, to the family over the years. All are proud to have had him in their lives.

At his request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. If you wish, please have a beer at 4:30 in his memory.