Benny "Bud" H. Gibson

Benny H. “Bud” Gibson, 85, of China Grove, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville. He was born May 19, 1941, in South Carolina to the late Huemore and Ellen Kirkley Gibson.

He was a proud graduate of A.L. Brown High School, class of 1960, and carried with him throughout life the values of hard work, humility, and dedication. He spent many years working in Cannon Mills, later known as Pillowtex, until his retirement in 2003. Even in retirement, he never truly slowed down, continuing to work in lawn care and helping install golf courses, work he took pride in because he believed in earning an honest day’s living.

He was a man who found joy in life’s simple blessings. He loved working with his hands and had a remarkable talent for woodworking. Through the years, he crafted beautiful pieces of furniture for his family, each one made with patience, care, and love. Those treasured pieces will remain in the homes of his loved ones for generations, serving as lasting reminders of his craftsmanship and the legacy he leaves behind.

He dearly loved the coast, especially Carolina Beach, where countless family memories were made. Whether fishing, spending long days beachside, or simply enjoying the salt air surrounded by those he loved most, the beach brought him peace and happiness that stayed with him throughout his life.

He made his home on a peaceful piece of land in China Grove, where he took great pride in caring for his property. Each year, he faithfully tilled a garden and grew vegetables, finding satisfaction in the quiet routines of tending the land. He was also a devoted scout leader for many years, mentoring countless young men and sharing stories of camping trips, mountain hikes, survival lessons, and the importance of character, responsibility, and strength.

Above all else, his greatest joy was being “Pawpaw.” He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. He never missed an opportunity to share his wisdom, stories, humor, and life lessons with those he loved. He will be remembered as a hardworking, humble, steady, and loving man whose presence brought comfort, strength, and warmth to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Preceded in death by his dear brother H. Kenneth Gibson; Those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Cynthia (David) Clark and Julie Gibson; seven grandchildren, Miranda (Justin) Bonds, Erin (Josh) Farmer, Erica (Derek) Moon, Billy Sutherland, Dustan Hinson, Carissa (fiancé James) Sutherland and Gracie Harler; 12 great grandchildren, Jared, Jason, Brooke, Cayton, Laken, Caroline, Andrew, Kinsley, William, Layne, Ashton and Joseph; his two sisters, Dianne (Tommy Barringer) Smith and Kimberly Gibson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bud’s family will receive friends and relatives for visitation on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.