Billy Riser Gibson was born June 5, 1936 to James Ira Gibson and Dora Riser Gibson of Saluda, SC. He grew up in Newberry, SC graduating from Bush River High School in 1954. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from Clemson College in 1958. His love for Clemson continued throughout his lifetime. He supported Clemson athletics for over 60 years as a member of IPTAY and along with his family, always enjoyed attending the football games. Some of his family's fondest memories with him include tailgating and attending Clemson football games. Billy joined the Army following his college graduation serving in Korea from 1958 to 1960. Following his active-duty years, he continued his service to his country in the Army National Guard. With more than 37 years of service, he retired from the Guard in 1986 as a Lt. Colonel. On August 2, 1958 he married Sylvia Boozer of Newberry, and they celebrated the birth of four children, Debbie, Lisa, Carole and Mike. He and Sylvia shared their years supporting each other and sharing life together. Billy was a licensed Professional Engineer and was retired from the SC Department of Transportation after working in the Research and Materials Laboratory for 33 ½ years. Billy and Sylvia were members of Smyrna Presbyterian Church where Billy served as a Deacon and Elder and taught a Sunday School Class for over 50 years. He was involved on numerous committees as well as serving as church treasurer. Along with his wife Sylvia they were the youth fellowship leaders for five years. As a part of the Smyrna missions outreach, Billy and Sylvia travelled to Peru to support Presbyterian missionaries and to Cherokee, NC for over 20 years to minister to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through construction, Tsali Manor senior adult center activities, and Bible school for the Kaleidoscope Day Care. Billy was a member of Gideons International where he was a longtime state cabinet member. He joyfully served many different positions on the State Cabinet. Billy was a part of a Gideon team who traveled to Venezuela to distribute Bibles. Sylvia served alongside her husband in the Ladies Auxiliary where she led the Auxiliary widow's ministry for many years. Billy was a part-time farmer and history enthusiast who loved reading, particularly books about military history. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, Billy is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia plus four children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren: Clark and Debbie Abrams (Cary, NC), and Thomas, Courtney, and Charlotte Abrams (Harrisonburg, VA); Lisa and George Kinard, Jr. (Newberry, SC), and Bill, Monica, Hallie, and Georgie Kinard (Prosperity, SC) plus Rebecca Kinard and her fiancé, Travis Bates (Easley, SC); Carole, Jeff, and Jeremy Shealy (Summerville, Ga) plus Jonathan Shealy (Conway, SC); and Mike and Christi Gibson (Greenville, SC). He is also survived by his brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews: Corbett and Meredith Gibson of York, SC; Geoffrey and Sandra Gibson (Charlotte, NC); Joel and Amy Gibson (Fort Mill, SC). He is also survived by many cousins and friends. The funeral service and burial will be held in Newberry, SC at Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 32 Smyrna Rd, Newberry, SC 29108 at 2 PM on Saturday, March 20. The family requests you make memorials to Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 32 Smyrna Rd, Newberry, SC 29108 or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 795, Newberry, SC 29108. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is honored to be assisting the family.