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AMERICUS — Known by many names including Shep, Hoot, dad, and granddaddy, Shepard Hugh Wise Gibson passed away on Sept. 16, 2019, at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center.

Shep was born on April 18, 1934, in New York City to Robert Franklin Gibson and Charlotte Turner Gibson. His parents preceded him in death as well as a brother, Robert Franklin Gibson II, and he is survived by a sister, Kathy Gibson Strother of Americus.

At the age of 17, Shep was determined to serve his country, so he lied about his age and joined the Navy. He proudly served as a diver on the USS Segundo during the conflict in Korea. After returning home Shep attended college at Georgia Southwestern College for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia and graduating with a marketing degree. While he was enrolled at GSW, Shep went on a blind date with Leila Holt and never looked back. They married on Sept. 21, 1957, and went on to have four children together – Robert Franklin Gibson, who passed at birth, Payton Lee Gibson (Debra) of Plains, Charlotte Hull (Troy) of St. Simons Island, and Shepard Gibson II (Jennifer) of Fort Hood, Texas.

Shep was the proud granddaddy of seven grandchildren, three grandchildren by marriage, and two great-grandsons, all of whom he loved fiercely. He excelled in his career as a salesman and lived his life according to his motto — God, family, and country. Shep spent his time in many ways: attending church, raising his family, attending USS Segundo reunions, and creating the most beautiful paintings his family will treasure forever. Stern looks, rough words, and a commanding presence distracted from the fact that he had an infectious laugh, could tell a dirty joke with the best of them, and made a mean martini. Shepard Hugh Wise Gibson, your legacy will certainly live on in memories and photos but also in all of your children and grandchildren. They’re just as stubborn, loud, loving, proud, and hard-working as you were. Here’s to you, Granddaddy — we’ll have a cold one and a cheese Danish in your honor. The family will accept visitors from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at 316 Taylor St. Funeral services will be in November.