Jerry Mitchell "Mitch" Gibbs

          Sunday, April 7^th, Jerry Mitchell Gibbs, the loving father of Nancy Merritt and grandfather of Grace, and the beloved brother of siblings Charles and Alan Gibbs and Nancy Becker, passed away at the age of 78 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House due to lung cancer. “Mitch”, as he was affectionately known, is preceded in death by his father and mother, Fred Dale and Mavis Love Gibbs, as well as a brother, Gary Gibbs, and sisters, Saundra Rush and Phyllis Gibbs. 

            Mitch was born on July 17, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Murray Training School, where he excelled in basketball and baseball, and led the College High Colts to a Fourth District baseball championship in 1963. After graduation, he attended Murray State University on a baseball scholarship and pursued a degree in physical education from the fall of 1963 until the spring of 1965 at which time he was drafted into the Army. He served two tours in Vietnam and received an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Services in 1969. Afterwards, his journey through life was fraught and darkened until he took charge and turned it around. 

            As a result of his determination and will-power, his life became one dedicated to service and kindness to others, as well as gratitude for those who helped him. Mitch had a passion for gardening, (his specialty was tomatoes) fixing things that were broken, birds, high school sports, and U.K. Wildcats. He attended many SEC basketball tournaments with his daughter, and brother, Charlie. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served in different volunteer capacities, and he contributed his time and energy to NeedLine and the Main Street Youth Center, whose gymnasium will be named after him. Although he has left us, his sincerity, service to others, and sense of humor will remain with those who knew and loved him.

            In addition to his siblings, Mitch is survived by daughter-in-law, Carol Gibbs; his son-law, Fred Merritt; three stepchildren, Bill Pennoyer, Rachel Pennoyer, and Tiffany Pennoyer; six step grandchildren; as well as a nephew, Benjamin Austin Underwood. 

            A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Murray, Kentucky with Pastor Jeff Rudy officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Murray, Kentucky. 

            Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Main Street Youth Center, 513 S 4th Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or to the First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071. 

            Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com