Samuel "Sam" G. Gibson

Samuel "Sam" G. Gibson, 60, of Kingsport received his reward in Heaven on Monday evening, March 17, 2008 after a brief illness.

Sam was born in Russell County, VA, where he was raised with his brothers on the family farm. He spent most of his adult life in Bristol, TN moving to Kingsport ten years ago. Sam was a graduate of ETSU where he was a proud brother of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Sam was a business owner/entrepreneur in Bristol and Johnson City, where his businesses contributed to the economic growth of the area. His businesses include restaurants, night clubs, retail establishments, trucking, and bringing "big name talent" to the area in the way of outdoor concerts at the Bristol raceway.

Sam lived life to the fullest and wanted to make sure everyone around him did the same. He was a very generous man to those he loved. He loved life, family, and friends, but his true passions were his cattle and the farm in Castlewood, VA.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Walton K. and Verta D. Gibson; brother, James W. Gibson; and father-in-law, Jimmy W. Smith.

Carrying on Sam's love for life, is his loving wife, Michelle J. Gibson; his furry "4-legged sons", Lucas the poodle and Simon the cat; brother, William W. Gibson and fiancée Debra Bucci of Lebanon, VA; mother-in-law, Rosemary T. Smith; sisters-in-law, Tramera K. Duke of Kingsport and Jan H. Gibson of Lexington, KY; and a host of cousins, nephews, and friends.

A special thanks to Ashley Hill, who gave his time to care for Sam and also to the wonderful staff at Adventa Hospice and Brookhaven Manor, who took care of Sam with love and compassion. Sam's memory and zest for life will remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Services will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Tilley officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon, VA. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 9:30 a.m. to go in procession.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Humane Society, 63 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112; or your local animal shelter.