Big Stone Gap, VA — John Lester "Johnny" Gibson, 91, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Johnny was born and raised in Stonega, Virginia, the son of the late Lester and Eva (Kinsler) Gibson. He had lived in Big Stone Gap since the late 1980s and spent his life rooted in faith, family, service, and hard work.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, both stateside and in North Africa. A true patriot, Johnny carried a deep love for his country throughout his life and was rarely seen without his U.S. Air Force Veteran hat, which he wore with pride. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist and mechanic at the Central Machine Shop with Westmoreland Coal Company and was a member of the U.M.W.A. Widely respected for his skill and knowledge, Johnny was a master mechanic who could fix nearly anything. He especially enjoyed restoring his cherished 1968 SS 396 Chevrolet Chevelle, a reflection of both his craftsmanship and passion for automobiles.
While Johnny's accomplishments were many, his greatest legacy was the way he cared for others. He spent his life serving those around him with quiet humility, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to help whenever and wherever he was needed. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, JoAnn, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Affectionately known as "Papaw G," he was a source of strength, wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love to generations of his family. His steady presence, gentle spirit, and dependable nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Johnny's unwavering Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He was an Elder and member of First Christian Church in Big Stone Gap since 1970, where he faithfully served as treasurer, taught Sunday School, participated in mission work, and sang in the church choir. His faith was not only evident in his service to the church, but in the way he carried himself each day—with integrity, compassion, humility, and grace. He was one of the toughest and most dependable men his family ever knew, yet his strength was always balanced by kindness and a servant's heart.
In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnn Johnson Gibson; and two brothers, Don Gibson and Bobby Gibson.
Surviving are his six children, Teresa Jervis (Kim Gentry), Kingsport, TN; Judith Riner (Paul Bellamy), Johnson City, TN; Jonnie Rines (Terry) and Mark Gibson (Donna), both of Big Stone Gap; Michael Gibson, Johnson City; and David Gibson (Kathryn), Knoxville, TN. Lovingly known as Papaw G by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is also survived by grandchildren, Randy Carter, Jr., Seth Jervis, Lauren Jervis, Clarke Riner, Chessi Riner, Carrah Riner, Amber Murdock, Jill Ashby, Jonathan Gibson, Chad Gibson, Kelsey Lukich, Haley Gibson, and Sofie Gibson; great-grandchildren, Ian, Teagan, Tate, Maverick, Brooks, Greyson, Jude, Emerie, Kennedy, Jaxton, Annie, Quinn, Beau, Jett, Harrison, and Kennedy; brothers-in-law, Gary Johnson and Bobby Johnson; sister-in-law, Leisa Johnson; and a nephew, Brent Gibson.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow with Greg Townsend, Minister, officiating.
Military graveside rites, by the Shaw A.F.B. Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, June 15, 2026, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 2:15 PM to go in procession to the cemetery.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Johnny Gibson. To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit Gilliam Funeral Home's website or Facebook page.