1943-2024
Bert "Buddy" Gibbs III, was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He left this world suddenly at home on November 1st, 2024 at the experienced age of 81. But what a great life he was blessed with!
He was born to Theda & Bert Gibbs II, on January 8th, 1943. (During WW II and gas was $.19 per gallon) Buddy was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas with his two sisters, Lou and Gloria. You could often hear stories as he reminisced about their raisings. Buddy graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1961. He was a charter member of Forest Park Church in Pine Bluff and a long time member of Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
Buddy met the greatest love story of his life, Barbara or better known as his "Barb", in a cafe on main street in 1963. Buddy came over to speak to Barbara and the rest was for the history books or our family photo albums. They married in 1965 and built an amazing life and family legacy over the next 60 years in Sheridan, Arkansas.
His greatest joy was his family. His boys were his pride and he lived his best life with Ronnie, Mike and Alan. No article is long enough to fill the pages with the love and activities they shared over the years.
After high school, Buddy worked at Stein's men's store, then moved to Baines Men's store, when he was personally recruited by Mr. Dillard to manage 1 of 3 locations at the time. Buddy became the youngest store manager of the Dillard's in Pine Bluff at the age of 21, where he enjoyed his career for the next 15 years. He was most proud of his continued friendship with Mr. Dillard and the impact he had on his life. In 1975, Buddy and Barbara moved to Sheridan and in 1977 they opened, Gibbs Grocery, a beacon, in Sheridan on 167S. Here, everyone became family and you could get any and all life advice needed during a stop, solicited or not solicited. Over the next 35 years, they impacted the lives of so many in Grant County and beyond.
Buddy was an instrumental voice to help establish and create the Calvert Township Fire Department in 1984-85. He continued to stay involved in impacting and keeping his community safe over the years. He also created Calvert Township Crime Watch, where he served as Chief. He believed in everyone looking out for each other and lending a helping hand where he could.
Some of his favorite times included traveling out West with his Barb, especially the Rocky Mountains or Yellowstone. A great road trip was always expected when he mentioned vacation. He was a natural at building and making just about anything he desired. Known for his beautiful knife making and wood working across the country.
Buddy was proceeded in death by his parents, Theda and Bert Gibbs Jr., In laws in love, Raymond and Dorthy George, sister Lou Kline, son Michael Dale Gibbs, daughter in love, Meliana Gibbs-Talbert and grandson, Lee Wayman Richardson. Oh, what a reunion they are having.
His memory will live on through his loving family. Wife of 59 years, Barbara Gibbs, sons Ron(Cindy)Richardson, Alan(Jennifer)Gibbs, sister Gloria White, his canine companion Peanut, Grandkids: Tina(Rodney)Goodson, Ashley(Aric)Guenther, Holly Gibbs-Logan, Austin(Anna)Gibbs, Nicole Harper, Noelle(Kevin)Richardson, Great Grands: Taylor(Carter)Horton, Rylea Goodson, Norah Stimach, Mason Oliver, Lucas Logan, Kensley Richardson, Ellie, Evelyn, Edith, Esther & Clark Gibbs. His first Great-Great Grand: Harper Horton, due later this month. A host of extended family and life long friends included.
Buddy adored his family and lived his life fully for them. He will be a missing link that can never be replicated and to know him was to love him. Until that day when we see you again, know we love you and your legacy lives on. I'll leave readers with your famous phrase as you would say, "I'll see you in the funny papers."
The family would like to thank the Grant Co. Sheriff's office, Grant Co Rescue, MEMS and Calvert Fire Department personnel for the life saving measures they gave to our Buddy. The family is overly thankful for services provided by Memorial Gardens staff in Sheridan and the love and care provided to our Buddy.
Services will be held at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan, Arkansas. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 4:30pm-6:30pm, the memorial service will follow on Thursday, November 7th , 2024 at 2pm. A private burial will be held at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers: James Tilton Alexander, Woody Berry, Rayburn Berry, Whitney Rhodes, Reggie Jackson, Dean Crouse, Dickey Lawrence as well as all his other life long high school friends that he kept up with and visited often throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvert Township Fire Department or Calvert Township Crime Watch. You can mail donations to: PO Box 247 Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.
