John P. Gibson, age 75 of Ellijay, formerly of Hawkinsville, GA, died Monday, June 5, 2017.

John was born June 28, 1941 in LaGrange, Georgia to the late Nathan Gibson and Vera Mincemoyer, his sisters, Shelia Clement and Orelia Gibson, his stepfather Bill Mincemoyer and brother-in-law H. L Clement also preceded him in death. He was educated in the Rabun County Schools and attended Georgia State University until his education was interrupted by the draft. John entered the US Army in November, 1963 and served most of his time in Germany. When John returned home he began his 20 year career in sales with the W.D. Alexander Company who eventually merged with General Electric. While at General Electric John was Top National Performer from 1980 to 1984.

In January, 1985 John and his wife LaVerne moved to Hawkinsville, GA and got into business ownership. They were co-owners of C & W Hardware Company and then opened their own business —Papa’s Pizza To-Go. While in the Pizza business their store won several awards—The Franchise of the Year and the Hawkinsville/Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. During the time in Hawkinsville John was very active in the First Baptist Church and was an Ordained Deacon and Chaired and served on numerous church committees. He was also very active in the business community, were her served as Director of Chamber of Commerce of Hawkinsville, President of Hawkinsville Merchants Association, member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Windy Inn Men’s Club.

Survivors include: Wife of 50 years, LaVerne S. Gibson, Nephews Kevin Clement and Linwood (Tracy) Clement and daughters, Kaitlind and Leah, Niece Lori (Jeremy) Hill and daughters, Ella and Hannah. Godson; Joseph Blake Cope.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday June 12, 2017 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Thom Shores Officiating, the Rev. Dr. Gary Abbott Eugilist and Rev. Allan Tarr.
The family will meet with friends before the service from noon to 2 PM at the Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Heartlite Hospice — Ellijay, 772 Maddox Drive Suite 112, Ellijay, GA 30540 or Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation at TNBC.org for My WW.
Bernhardt Funeral in charge of the arrangements.