Larry Gibson

Larry Turner Gibson of Long Beach passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, March 23, 2020 in Gulfport following a lengthy illness.  He was 76.

A kind and gentle soul, Larry was born on March 1, 1944 in Great Falls, SC.  He graduated from Great Falls High School and attended Business College in Columbia, SC where he worked as a tour guide at the State Capitol.  He returned to the Great Falls/ Rock Hill areas where he had a career in retail sales for over 30 years.  Larry became a resident of Long Beach in 2003.  He embraced all the coastal life had to offer.  He loved the beach, the festivals, Cruisin’ the Coast and especially the parades of every season.  He enjoyed hearing the choir at Long Beach First United Methodist Church, particularly the Christmas Cantatas and all special music programs.

Larry loved music and Elvis.  His first instrument was the trumpet which he played throughout high school and later taught himself to play the keyboard.  He sang in the high school glee club and even started his own rock band in the late 60’s.  He became the director of a 50-member Christian Youth Group, the “Tell It” Singers.  The group toured throughout South Carolina performing the musical ‘Tell It Like It Is’ along with other gospel arrangements.  In addition to music, he loved flowers and gardening.  He was great at getting anything to grow and created some of the most beautiful arrangements.  He loved to decorate for the holidays, especially at Christmas.  An avid party planner, he could pull together any function at the last minute.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Charles W. and Lottie V. Gibson, Sr.

He is survived by his brother, Major Charles W. Gibson, Jr. USMC (Ret.) and his wife, Betty with whom he resided since moving to Long Beach; his two nieces:  Mrs. Beth Dean and her husband, Rex of Long Beach;  Mrs. Cathy San Antonio and her husband, Garry of Greenville, TX and his nephew: Mr. Jim Gibson and his wife, Laura of Warrenton, VA; nine great-nieces and nephews: Ashley Peterson and her husband, Pat Heidingsfelder of Biloxi; TJ Peterson and his fiancée, Morgan Linnett of Denver, CO; Courtney Dean of Denver, CO; Chelsea Dean of Biloxi; Amanda Crouch and her husband, Lee of Crestview, FL; Matthew San Antonio and his wife, Olivia of Greenville, TX; James San Antonio and his wife, Cassie of Cib0l0, TX; Kristopher Gibson and his wife, Kirby of Edmond, OK; Zachary Gibson of Warrenton, VA and nine great-great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Antoine Rizk, Dr. Bert Chevis, the wonderful staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice, Greg Sullivan and his staff at Heart and Home for the care they provided Larry during his illness.
Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church in Long Beach.

A private visitation, service and burial for family will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020.

Friends or extended family are invited to view the service on Facebook Live on the Riemann Family facebook page. Streaming will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 27th.  Please click on the following link for our facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/riemannfuneralhome/

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach is serving the family.