Bruce "Randy" Gibson

Bruce Randall “Randy” Gibson

Bruce Randall “Randy” Gibson, 77, of Glover, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, following a short illness.

Randy was born October 17, 1948, in Bartley, West Virginia, the son of the late James E. Gibson and Evelyn Hobbs Gibson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Gibson.

A 1967 graduate of Pineville High School, Randy was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 as an infantry soldier and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar. These honors reflect his courage and service during one of the most difficult chapters in our nation’s history. Following his tour in Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served with the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One.” Randy’s military service remained an important part of his life and shaped the perspective he carried through the years that followed.

While stationed in Kansas, Randy met the love of his life, Rita, who was then a college student at nearby Emporia State University. They married soon after and built a life together that spanned more than five decades. This June would have marked their 55th wedding anniversary.

After completing his military service, Randy returned home to his roots in Wyoming County, where he worked for many years as a coal miner in Herndon, West Virginia.

Randy enjoyed hunting and fishing, but gardening was his greatest passion. His garden was known for its abundance, and he enjoyed sharing what he grew with neighbors, friends, and anyone who needed it.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Ayres Gibson; his daughter, Tracy Gibson Straub; his son, Travis Gibson; grandchildren, Jacob Straub (fiancée Halle), Trey Straub (girlfriend Carey), and Katelyn Gibson Black (Kyle); great-grandchild, Kalani; two additional great-grandchildren due this summer; and his sister, Jennifer Puckett Gibson.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 13, at Evans-Calfee Funeral Service, 614 Appalachian Hwy, Pineville, WV 24874, beginning at 12:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. A light luncheon hosted by Pineville First United Methodist Church will follow the service, and the family invites those attending to join them at the church, located at Cedar Avenue and Bank Street, Pineville, WV 24874.

A military graveside service with honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to CASH care of  Randy Gibson Memorial Fund at Burke & Herbert Bank, 515 Appalachian Hwy, Pineville, WV 24874. Randy believed in helping people when they needed it, and this fund will assist families in southern West Virginia with travel and other expenses related to receiving medical treatment.

Randy planted seeds not only in his garden but also in the world around him.

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