Rexie Royce Gibbs
January 1, 1938 – April 21, 2021
Rexie Royce Gibbs, 83, of Goldsboro, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC.
Rexie, better known to friends and family as Royce, was born in Hyde County on January 1, 1938 to the late Thomas Clifton and Mary Alice (Cahoon) Gibbs. He was married to Mavis Gibbs who survives him.
After losing both of his parents at an early age, Royce enlisted in the military at the age of 18 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 22 years until retiring at Seymour Johnson AFB in 1978. He was very proud of his military service and enjoyed sharing “war stories” with whomever showed interest. His service took him all over the world including Japan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and various bases around the United States. He was also a Vietnam War veteran serving during the Tet Offensive. The patriotism and personal discipline he learned thru the course of his military service was a shining example to others.
After retiring from military service, Royce earned his Associates Degree and began his second career as a Master in auto mechanics. When he retired a second time, he took on the youth of Wayne County as a school bus driver for Eastern Wayne Middle School.
For over 66 years, Royce was a devoted husband, best friend, and partner in life to Mavis. She was the love of his life and it was uncommon to find them anywhere without the other close by. Their love and admiration for one another was undeniable.
Royce was proud of the accomplishments of his children and always took a moment to tell them so. He loved them without condition and was always available to offer a lending hand when needed. Royce’s family was truly his lifeline and there was nothing more important to him or gave him greater joy than spending time with family and friends.
Royce was well known for his hearty “Gibbs laugh” and his pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. In his off time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, classic country music, singing his old favorite tunes while dancing along, attending church social functions where he could fuel his passion for sweet treats, and he was especially good at making others laugh.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Oak Forest Church of Christ in Goldsboro, NC with Robert Goff and Lennie Reagan presiding.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at the Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter, NC, with Lennie Reagan officiating.
In addition to his wife, Mavis, he is also survived by a son, Clifton Douglas Gibbs (Judith) of High Point; two daughters, Melanie Lynn Gates (Bruce) of Goldsboro, and Alenda Carol Pereira (Sean) of Franklinton; grandchildren: Siobhan Crum, Meghan Pratt, Daniel Gibbs, Stacie Gates, Michael Gates, Mika Pereira, and MacKenzie Pereira; two great-grandchildren, Laina and Archer Pratt; and a special sister-in-law, Kathleen Gibbs.
He was preceded in death by his brothers: Edward Lee Gibbs, Joshua Gibbs, Onslow Gibbs, and T.C. Gibbs; and his sisters: Ella Louise Bell, Elma Mae Walinski, Lucille Gregory, Maxine Wilroy, Mary Anna Cox, and Janice Whitney.
A visitation will be held for Hyde County friends and family on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.
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