Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home | Tuscaloosa, AL

Obituary For Attorney John William Gibson

Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, Inc. announce the passing of Attorney John Williams Gibson.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES: Graveside Service will be held Monday, May 4, 2020 at 9:30 am in the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, AL.

Attorney John William Gibson - John W. Gibson was born on December 20, 1940, in Mobile, Alabama to the parents of Attorney John W. Gibson and Myrtice Lang Gibson. Always the adventurer, John joined the U. S. Army at the age of 16; with his parent’s consent. John spent over nine years in military service; including five years in the U. S. Air Force. John traveled the world and accumulated many friends and experiences; always leaving a lasting impression. For many years he resided in Germany, where he was the Worshipful Master for a Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. Johnny, as he was called, showed family and friends the definition of determination. No job was too large or small for him. When in need, Johnny was the person to call. He never allowed physical or mental limitations to stop him from accomplishing his goals. Johnny’s drive was contagious; a person could not work beside him and not admire his determination. Concerning friendship, he was unsurpassed in his depth of loyalty. A very unselfish person – a friend indeed. Although John had a GED, he did not let that limit his pursuit for higher education. In 1980, he received his Associated Degree from Inver Hills Community College; in 1987 the Bachelor of Art Degree from Maralester College, and the Juris Doctor Degree from William Mitchell College of Law. John retired from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights as an attorney receiving many awards and accolades. After a long battle with health issues, Johnny died on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frederick Gibson. Left to cherish his memories are his siblings; Sylvia Gibson, Carroll Donald Gibson, Thomas Lee Gibson, Michael Gibson, Gwendolyn (Al) Riddick, Kathleen Gibson, Gregory Gibson, and Barbara Jones. Also left to cherish Johnny memories are his many relatives and friends; especially those friends in the Moundville area.

Guest Book

My condolences to John's family. I am just one of his Tuscaloosa friends. I will miss him. Bettye Benderson

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So many pleasant memories of our family's relationship with Johnny Gibson going back 50 years. It all started in Germany. He quickly made a positive impression on our family members in Koblenz due to his intelligence, personality and helpful attitude. He was always there for us when needed. My husband and I, along with our three kids, continued our friendship with him over the years. We visited him often at his Eagan, MN home and later stayed with him at his place in Alabama. He was very special to us, and our kids always called him Uncle Johnny. Hard to believe that I had corresponded with him the day before his passing. We will miss him dearly. The Heinrich Family (Ingrid and Berdie).

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Uncle Johnny has such an impact on me and my family. Devastated to hear of his passing. Will never forget going to his law school graduation and being so proud to see my uncle walking across the stage. You were such a good man and are leaving a hole in our hearts. Love you so much and will miss you forever.

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To me a man who was the most intelligent loving caring person. I knew him as uncle Johnny who took this kid out fishing lost his lures to one day say i would get him new ones. I did have an opportunity to send a package of wild game which he appreatted. He made the trip to Minnesota for my wedding which ill never forget. I. So sad to learn of his passing. He will go straight to heaven My uncle was a true leader and one to be followed i will miss his advice .

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To Barbara Jones and Family, May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. You are in our prayers and I know God will give you strength. John and Norma Houze

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John Gibson was full of life, wisdom and quick witted and analytical intellect. He was an excellent chef, carpenter, auto mechanic, woodcraft artist and so much more. I have known John for more than 20 years. He was initially my attorney, friend and trusted confidant.I will forever cherish the precious memories we shared in Minnesota. Attending Polo matches, dancing on party boat cruising along Lake Minnetonka, train rides along the St Croix River sharing 5 course meals. He loved to travel and gamble. His last words to me days before he passed were "you are such a procrastinator" as we planned to have him come and join me in Honolulu, Hawaii after COVID19 improved. My heart is broken, I Love you John Gibson. Elsie Taylor

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Hadn't seen John in a while..but will forever hold dear his warm smile, his genuine laugh, his honesty, his cooking(best jambalaya in the world), his stories and his warm hugs. Heaven has gained another true angel. God please keep Johnny safe.. Lynn Klicker Uthe

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Since 2009, John Gibson has been at our dinner table every singe year for Thanksgiving at the farm. And I will miss the Honey Baked Hams I send to his log home every year. This is tough for me.

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Gibson family during this difficult time. I worked with John at MN Department of Human Rights. He was a fabulous guy, we had lots of fun, awesome memories. Peace be with you. Love Cookie

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Just learned of Johnny's death, devastated, will miss him dearly. I first met John while he was with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in 1996, we became very close friends, travel together, loved by my wife, Patty, and when he retired and moved to Alabama, we became even closer. We learned it is a small world, our Alabama connections, which we didn't know about when we met. I remember when John was preparing for his retirement, building a log home; he was not just an attorney, he was a carpenter, mechanic, chef (impeccable cook), and most of all, he was an intellectual, well read, this is what we had in common, as lawyers we talked about law, politics, foreign policy, world affairs, John never,never, stopped learning. John help me a lot on my Alabama ranch, living in Minnesota, he took care of a lot things for me, he was a true brother, true brother. I remember our time in New Orleans; the world traveler that John was, he had never been to New Orleans, he travel there with me from my Alabama ranch in 2004, it was his first time. I will miss John, a true friend, he was 19 years older than me, other than my wife, he's the best friend I have had, ever; loyalty, giving, humility, hard worker, life long learner, loving, that was John William Gibson, Esq. Rest in peace my friend. Vonnie Phillips

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Words can not express the great sadness I feel for the loss of my cousin Johnny. I will miss the smiles he put on my tots faces when he would visit and how they would run to the door with excitement and say "cousin Johnny is here !" ....priceless moments for me . Cousin Johnny was very thoughtful and had a deep appreciation for family history . He also expressed a desire to get a better understanding of some bible based questions ... A conversation we never got to finish... Looking forward to the time when Revelation 21:3, 4 and Job 14: 14,15 are fulfilled and we have that opportunity to finish our conversation . Sincere prayers to the rest of Johnny's family as we cope with this loss . Taunya Thomas and Jazzimin Brazelton

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Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow For what is your Life ? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. James 4 v 14 We will always thank God for the time we was able to spend with you Donald and Laney Gibson

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"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." John 14:1-4 NKJV Hey Man, There is so much I could say about my big brother Johnny. But unfortunately I don't have that much time. It would take a life time to elaborate on the person of Attorney John William Gibson. My brother was definitely a man of valor. He was a "go getter". There wasn't a challenge he faced that he didn't take on and either succeed or learn from. He was an advocate for higher learning and his life displayed a shining example of what the educational system could do. He had many many friends. If you were his friend You were His friend. He was kind and loyal to a fault it seemed. So sometimes people took his kindness for weakness. But he only did what his heart desired. I miss our daily phone conversations. I learned so much from him since Mom died. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you Bro. So good bye until I see you on the other side. Your brother Michael P. Gibson AKA: Mickey & sister in law Rev. Sandra K. Gibson

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Greg Gibson and family, love and will miss you.

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Kathleen Gibson and family, Love and will miss you.

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Dear Big Brother, I have fond memories of swapping recipes with you because you were such a superb cook, never afraid to experiment or try something new. You loved your beloved pet dogs; Cruz and his mother Loco so much, you would prepare wonderful meals just for them. Even though Cruz has disappeared, his mother Loco is still waiting for your return, loyal to the very end. I enjoyed you recounting your experiences celebrating New Years Eve in Paris, and traveling to Hawaii on your honeymoon during the filming of the original Hawaii Five-0 where you received an autograph from Angie Dickinson. You were a very unique, intelligent, and talented individual. You even built a log cabin with your own hands. There was no one like you before, and there never will be another person like you. As I have always told you that you have a good heart. I am comforted by I Samuel 16:7 "...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." May God Bless You and keep you as you rest "Safe in His Arms". Your loving sister Barbara Jones, my husband Alex and our children Carmen, Tonisha and Johnathan Jones.

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Barbara Jones and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Love, Jacques and Karyn Alexandre.

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Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed cousin Johnnie. Our most heartfelt condolences. The Harold Lang family. Peace & Love

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Barbara Jones & Family, May God grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I know you were close to your brother and his memories will live in your hearts forever.

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Even though I didn't had the pleasure of meeting my cousin, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family and to the many people whose lives he touched. Victoria Jones, Illinois

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May the legacy of our cousin, John W. Gibson shine bright in our hearts for he was a good man Elvin

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We always enjoyed the knowledge that Johnny shared about our family history and his wonderful sense of humor. Johnny will be truly missed but never forgotten. Eddie, Saundra, Eddie Jr and Robert Allen

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Gwendolyn Gibson & Family " let us all take a few seconds of silence on Monday in loving memory of our brother Johnnie." " Johnnie may GOD Keep you in his loving arms "

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Johnny is a nephew that his uncle James considered him as a beautiful person with a very strong personality. He has a big heart and endearing love for family. His principles and ideals on how to live life to the fullest is unique. He enjoyed the company of friends and believed so much on expressing personal views on issues. He is more than a nephew to him. We will keep you in our prayers. May you rest in peace.

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Barbara Jones & Family, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."(Psalms 34:18). Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Pastor Cleven & Julia Jones

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Barbara Jones & Family, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."(Psalms 34:18). Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Pastor Cleven & Julia Jones

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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