Ray Gibbs

Ray Gibbs, 74, of rural Jonesboro, passed away Friday, September 30, 2016, at his home of natural causes.

Born in Alabama, Ray moved to Trumann when he was 10 years old and lived there until moving to Jonesboro in 1962. He worked 40 years for Alton Box-Jefferson Smurfit in Jonesboro and enjoyed tractor work on his property. Ray was a charter member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday school superintendent, music director and assistant church treasurer. For several years Ray and his wife Geraldine maintained the church yard by mowing and trimming. Ray enjoyed gospel music and for many years sung in a gospel quartet in the church.

For many years Ray was a wrestling fan, attending the events at the old American Legion Arena in Jonesboro as well as television matches. Later in life, Ray was active in flea markets both as a buyer, seller and dealer. He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Estlee Lard Gibbs; a sister, Marcella Higginbotham; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Louis and Elfie Spears;
2 brothers-in-law: L.E. and Larry Spears; and a sister-in-law: Deborah Spears Austin.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Geraldine Spears Gibbs of the home, married December 21, 1962;
1 son and daughter-in-law: Brian and Laura Gibbs of Bono;
1 daughter and son-in-law: Raelene and Danny Whitmire of Jonesboro;
1 brother and sister-in-law: Robert Earl "Bill" and Elaine Gibbs of Harrisburg;
1 sister and brother-in-law: Louise and Richard Green of Trumann;
4 grandchildren: Brianna Gibbs (Tyler Cook) of Jonesboro, Brian "L.B." Gibbs, II (Sierra) of Paragould, Ronnie Maggard and Christina Maggard, both of Bono; and
4 great grandchildren: Riley Gibbs, Remmington Gibbs, and twins Brantley and Sophia "Jane" Gibbs.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Emerson Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Emerson Memorial Chapel with James Hillyer officiating. Burial will follow in Nettleton Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include Danny Cook, Robert Cooper, Ronnie Maggard, Shane Overman, Gregg Green, Derrick Green and Chad Spears. Honorary pallbearers include Wayne Meredith, Hubert Foster, and the men of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church.