Thomas Cameron Gibson

Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Gibson passed away on July 3, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. He was 73 years old and born in York, Pennsylvania, the third of four sons of Royal and Olive Gibson. He was a graduate of Temple University (BA in economics), Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio (Master of Divinity), and Lexington Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry).

Thom proudly served in and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and the Navy Reserve where he was a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps.

After his ordination in 1978 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Thom served as the senior pastor of churches in Seminole FL, Shepherdsville KY, Cortland OH, Memphis TN, Ashland OH, Richmond KY, and Gainesville FL. After a brief retirement he then served as an intentional interim pastor for DOC churches in Cheyenne WY, Neptune Beach FL, and Valdosta GA. Thom also led mission trips twice to Honduras and once to El Salvador.

Some of the positions he held in DOC regions were with the Florida Commission on Ministry, Ohio DOC Regional Board of Directors, Social Action Task Force of FL, moderator for the Western Area of the Christian Church in TN, and Commission on Criminal Justice for the Florida Council of Churches.

Thom felt service to his community was integral to the benefit of all and accordingly served on the Ashland City school board, Hospice of North Central Ohio Board of Directors, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and was chairperson of Richmond's Citizen Advisory Board for Police Community Relations. Also, he and several members of the First Christian Church in Richmond were responsible for the development of Hope's Wings domestic violence shelter, the first of its kind in Madison County.

He was passionate about his faith, his family, military veterans, college sports, and baseball on all levels. In addition, he felt a special calling to help those that were mistreated or otherwise underserved.

Thom is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Dona, his sons Cameron (Lindsay) and Kyle, grandson Evan, brothers Bruce and Kirk (Beverly), several cousins, nieces, and a nephew. He was predeceased by his parents and his oldest brother, Jef.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday July 13 at 1pm at the Trinity United Methodist Church chapel, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville FL.

To honor Thom's love for others the family asks that those wishing to make a memorial gift would consider: Disabled American Veterans (dav.org), Hope's Wings (hopeswings.org), Ronald McDonald House (rmhc.org), or a charity of your choice that serves those in need.