Ray B. Gibson

Ray Bernard Gibson was born on May 30,1949, in Sumter County, the fourth child born to the late Thomas B. and Edna Goodwin Gibson. He entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Ray was educated in Manchester and Richland Counties Public Schools.

Ray was called to serve his country in the United States Army, where he served honorably. Upon returning from Vietnam, Ray embarked on becoming self-employed in construction specializing in drywall. He and his brother Richard worked side by side for more than thirty (30) years until his retirement.

Ray met and married the former Wanda Shepherd and to their union three daughters were born Rayetta, Shawndele and Nicole.

Ray was the jokester of the family with many stories and jokes. Ray was always caring and loved being in the company of his family and friends. Sunday evenings were his football days along with preparing some of his famous beans and rice.

Later years and after the passing of Wanda, Ray met and married Ellender Rhodes. During their union they cared for their three grandsons, Jaquavian, Jaquez and Jaquan Clark.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Gibson; daughter Rayetta Gibson; second wife, Ellender Gibson; siblings, Margaret Outing, Thomas Gibson Jr., Richard, Robert, Beverlee and Gwendolyn Gibson; and his grandson, Lorenzo McLaughlin, Jr.

Those who will forever cherish his memories are his loving daughters, Shawndele Gibson of the home, and Nichole (Lorenzo Sr.) McLaughlin of Fayetteville NC; grandchildren, Wanda Gibson of Fayetteville NC, Bernard (Shaquanna) Gibson of the home, Desean McLaughlin Gibson, Jaquavian, Jaquez and Jaquan Clark; loving sister, Barbara Gibson; and loving niece, Alicia (James) Outing-Young; favorite nephew, Leroy (Evelyn) Outing; and his great nephew,  Jared (Kayla) Outing, and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.

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