OBITUARY: Billy Joe Gibson, 82, of Marble Falls dies April 26, 2013
Billy Joe “Bill” Gibson, 82, passed away suddenly at his home in Marble Falls on April 26, 2013. He was born Jan. 15, 1931, at his family’s home on the Coca Cola Ranch, known to everyone today as Horseshoe Bay.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and five sisters and three brothers, Bernice Bruns, Marie Crownover, Esterrea Crownover, Annie Moore, Modena Gibson, B.M. “Hoot: Gibson, I.V. Gibson and Ray Gibson.
Bill served our country, enlisting in the Navy on Nov. 30, 1948, and was honorably discharged Nov. 21, 1952. He met the love of his life, Marie Kolb, on a blind date, one month prior to leaving the Navy. It was leap year, so Marie asked him to marry her. He smiled and raised her question with “How about we go to Texas?” So they did and were together for 60 years.
A rancher all his life, he enjoyed everything to do with horses, cattle and other animals. He loved hunting, fishing, steer roping and being with his family and friends, of whom he had so many. He also took pleasure in attending his children’s grandchildren’s many activities throughout his lifetime. In 1966, he was awarded Cowboy of the Year for his dedicated service by the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association.
In addition to his wife, Marie, Bill is survived by his sons, Lynn Gibson and wife Cynthia of Burnet and Wayne Gibson and wife Della of Granite Shoals; daughter, Lisa Ulbricht and husband Ronald of Marble Falls; grandsons, Hunter Gibson, Patrick Gibson and Brandon Colclasure; and granddaughters, Whitney, Kendall and Rylie Ulbricht. He was also blessed with three beautiful great-grandchildren, Conner, Fallon and Mason Gibson. There are also nieces, nephews and countless other loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. April 29 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. A funeral service is 10 a.m. April 30 at the funeral home with Greg Neill officiating. Burial will follow at Pecan Cemetery in Llano County. Pallbearers are Hunter Gibson, Patrick Gibson, Bubba Ussery, Clay Simmons, Frank Haynes, Gary Larrimore, Robert Cowan and Daryl Templeton. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Crownover, Butch Crownover, Raymond Herrington, Gerald Shaffer, Ralph Ebeling and Kenny Jastow.
The family wishes to have donations sent to the American Red Cross for the victims of the West, Texas, disaster. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.