Billy Gibson

Billy Gibson, better known as “Pappy”, a devoted husband, father, veteran and businessman, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025 at the age of 78 after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. Born in Adair County, Kentucky on February 3, 1946, he was a steadfast presence in the lives of his family and friends.

Pappy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Gibson and his 4 children, David (Barb), William (Lisa), Timothy and Melissa (Robert) in addition to a host of grand and great-grand children. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Mary Lena as well as his 6 siblings Bedford, Leoda, LW, Estelene R.Kenneth and Diane. Along with his daughter in law, Sandi and grandson, Clayton.

In 1965, Billy enlisted in the United States Army. While completing his enlistment he became an Airborne instructor.  Billy earned many high ranks including, Airborne, Marksman and a National Defense Service metal.  While stationed in Fort Campbell, KY he married his true love, Margaret. 

After getting married, Billy traded flying airborne for flying down the highway in an 18-wheeler. Billy traveled all 48 continental United States during his time as a truck driver. Most of the miles driven by Billy were solo. However, many of his sons’ and daughter’s childhood memories are centered around “truck driving” with their father behind the wheel. Whether inside the cab, helping secure a load or hiding in the bunk from DOT all of his children will forever associate the smell of grease and diesel fuel with their father.

With over a million miles under his belt, Pappy was a businessman by trade, but a truck driver by heart. Pappy was deeply passionate about trucking and could often be found sitting at the front desk of Pappy’s Truck and Trailer Repair reminiscing with customers old and young about the good ole days of trucking.

When asked when he would retire, he replied with, “I’ll retire 2 months after they bury me.” A true trucker by heart, he believed if you were sitting still you weren’t making any money. And Pappy, he refused to sit still. He started working at the young age of 10 years old and didn’t quit. Pappy kept his pedal firmly to the floor until his last breath.

Known for his optimism, never-ending ideas, and forgiving heart, Pappy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missing but not forgotten.

Visitation will be at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, IN on Friday, January 24, from 1:00pm – 7:00pm. Additional visitation will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am with funeral service beginning at 11:00am. Burial with Military honors will follow at Louisville Memorial Gardens West, 4400 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216.

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