John W. "Billy" Gibbs

John W. Gibbs, affectionately known as Billy and lovingly called “Opa” by his family, passed away on June 18, 2026, in Lincolnton, Georgia, at the age of 85. He was born on July 31, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, and spent his life marked by hard work, resilience, generosity, and a deep devotion to the people he loved. 

He was the son of the late Wylie B. and Bessie Clark Gibbs and grew up in the Bayvale Community in Richmond County, a place he often fondly referred to as Heathenville. He attended Bayvale Elementary School and later graduated from Richmond Academy. Following his graduation, he attended Augusta College, where he studied accounting. Billy carried with him the values of his upbringing throughout his life, and those who knew him best remember him as a man who was generous, thoughtful, and selfless.

 Billy began his career working as a manager in the oil distribution business right out of college. He later followed in his family’s footsteps and entered the plumbing and well drilling business, where he gained experience in an era when septic systems were also installed and everything was dug by hand. In 1998, he and his wife began making plans to move to Lincoln County from Hephzibah, and that move became an important chapter in his life. Afterward, he worked for Clark’s Plumbing and later managed Radio Shack and Verizon stores in Lincolnton and Washington. In his later years, he worked for American Casket Craft. He remained committed to working diligently and helping others for as long as his health allowed. 

Billy was a man who gave freely of himself to family, friends, and even casual acquaintances. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. Although he wasn’t one to boast about his faith, when the subject arose, he would mention that he had read the Holy Bible cover to cover at least three times. He spent every day of the last 30 years making up for lost time from his younger years, and he devoted himself to assisting his family whenever they needed him. He worked hard until the very end, and even in the face of declining health, he continued to show the same determination that had carried him through life. He faced many hardships from childhood through adulthood, yet he never allowed bitterness to take root in his heart. Instead, he overcame adversity with strength and optimism, and he became a great source of advice to those around him. He could be opinionated, but he was also deeply protective of others and especially for those who could not protect themselves, and that loyalty defined much of who he was. 

He had a wide range of interests that reflected his curiosity and appreciation for the unique. He enjoyed yard sales, estate sales, and junking, and he was a devoted collector of antiques and oddities. He had a particular passion for Hull, Hummel, Meaders, and Hewell pottery, as well as Fenton, Tiffany, and other glass wares. His collections were a reflection of his eye for history, character, and craftsmanship, and they brought him great enjoyment over the years.

 He is survived by his sons, Russell Gibbs, and wife Betty, Robert Collins, Steven Gibbs and wife Melissa, and Michael Gibbs; his daughter, Delane Wade and husband Kevin, all of Lincolnton; and his sister, Sadie Powell of Blythe; grandchildren, Jeremy Gibbs, Brandon Gibbs, Megan Bailey, Nicholas Wade, Benjamin Wade, Heather Wengrow, Bryan Gibbs, Christopher Gibbs, Kayla Nelson, Russell Whisnant, Destiny Whisnant; 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Guthrie Gibbs, whose death in 2022 left a profound emptiness in his life. Since her passing, he missed her deeply and carried that loss with him each day. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Waylon Gibbs, and siblings, Delores Jones, Mary Jane Hubbard, W.B. Gibbs, and Aubrey Gibbs.

The stories of Billy Gibbs’s adventures and the many chapters of his life will be told and retold for generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, devotion, and kindness that will not be forgotten. His family and friends will remember him as a man who lived honestly, loved deeply, and gave generously. Billy Gibbs, “Opa,” will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 5pm until 7pm at Beggs Funeral Home in Lincolnton. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Goshen Baptist Church, Lincolnton. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. John W. “Billy” Gibbs.