George Ples Gibbs, 69, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, following and extended illness.
The family will be receiving friends at 107 Kennesaw Court in Fitzgerald, and a Celebration of life service will be held at a later date in July.
Mr. Gibbs was born July 27, 1955, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Willie Alton and Frances McCall Gibbs. He grew up in Rome, Georgia, and graduated from Coosa Highschool in 1973 where he played basketball and golf. He later attended Floyd Jr. College. In 1976 he moved to Fitzgerald, and later retired from Delphi Automotive. Mr. Gibbs enjoyed working on his tree farm and gardening. He loved his family and his greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He attended events and was active in all their activities. Mr. Gibbs had a circle of friends whom he enjoyed being with. Mr. Gibbs was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Julie Gibbs of Fitzgerald; 3 children: Allison Merritt & Roger, Kristie Bagwell & Paul, all of Fitzgerald, and Christopher Gibbs & Brooke of Richmond Hill; 5 grandchildren: Samuel “Brooks" Merritt, Elijah “Eli” Merritt, Paul “Tripp” Bagwell III, Carter Alton Bagwell, and Lainey Caroline Bagwell; siblings: Wanda Gibbs Latta of Athens, and Michael Gibbs & Vicki of Rome; several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ples & Ovida Gibbs and George Duncan & Lillian Sutton McCall; and a brother-in-law, John Latta.
The family would like to thank Dorminy Medical Center, Phoebe Memorial Hospital along with all the nurses, and Dr. Thomas Mann, Dr. Thombley and Katie Petrie for their extended care for him.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.