Frederick Thomas Gibson, 87, of Woodstock, GA, passed away on February 5, 2023, in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born to parents Marion Thomas Gibson and Myrtle Roseman Gibson on May 2, 1935, in Salisbury, NC. He was the beloved husband of Laurel these past 46 years and the proud father to 8 children, 25 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on February 11, 2023, at Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Dr., Woodstock, GA 30188. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM, memorial service with military honors at 11:00 AM, with a light luncheon to follow.

Fred was a proud United States Marine & Devil Dawg who eagerly signed on at age 17, was first turned away, and then succeeded by asking his mother's permission to enlist. He then served as a radio operator in the DMZ zone during the Korean War (1953-1956). He was an active Rotarian, served as Vice-Commandant of the Marine Corps League in Woodstock, Illinois and Cherokee County, and proud member of the American Legion serving a term as Post Commander until his Alzheimer's diagnosis slowed his duties.  He was proof positive that keeping active in a fellowship can make a positive difference in ALZ patients, and their families.

He took his discharge in Honolulu and attended the University of Hawaii on the GI Bill working the nightshift to begin his career in the hospitality industry at the Halekulani hotel. Fatherhood brought him many opportunities to mentor his children via the Little League World Series, Championship Horseback Riding, Pop Warner Football, Allstate Youth Orchestra, Performing Arts, Boy Scouts, Rotary Student exchanges, eSports tournaments… plus many family trips around the country and the world.  The family enjoyed tagging along for dad's hospitality conventions, and international board meetings - sneaking too many kids into hotel rooms or getting free upgrades to the presidential suites at 4-diamond hotels because "Dad got them the best deal on their mattresses".

He retired at 68 from Serta Mattress Incorporated, as Vice President of International Sales and Acquisitions in Chicago, then moved to Woodstock, Georgia to regain his 'southern roots' and new friends. Later in life, Fred was involved with the senior choir and military ministry at the First Baptist Church of Woodstock; giving him an opportunity to work with veterans and families in need. In recent years he used those same military ministry services, keeping him active as his mind receded to day-tripping lifelong memories, and then in-home hospice care .  "Alzheimer's is the long goodbye".

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Myrtle Gibson, his grandchildren Amanda Celeste Mennhennett and Layne Michael Kristan, his daughter Diane Lucille Gibson, and his sister Marion Elaine (Gibson) Johnston.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Laurel Nadine (Stoddard) Gibson, his children Fred T. Gibson Jr, Elizabeth Joy (Kent) Ford, John Allen Kent, Michael Alexander Kent, Mary Anne Joy (Kent Gibson) Kristan, Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello, Abigail Rose Gibson, his brother James Wade Davis, and all who knew and loved him.

"It's been a trip" Honey, Dad, Papa, Fred.  We've been privileged to care for you, love on you, laugh and relive old memories when 'stuck', and to learn new secrets & fun facts.  You were a joy and pleasure until your last breath.  Your memory will live in all those lives you've impacted forever.

"If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by UNITED STATES MARINES"! – The Marines' Hymn