Ray Vyron Gibson's Obituary
Ray Vyron Gibson, 93, passed away April 6, 2016. Ray was born in Canutillo, Texas near El Paso on May 23, 1922. His family settled in Benson, Arizona where he graduated high school in June 1941. Ray entered college at the University of Arizona in the fall of 1941, however, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Ray joined the Army Air Corp later to become the United States Air Force. Ray attended flight school, earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, and ultimately piloting 34 missions in a B-17 out of England to Germany in World War II. Ray was again called back into service during the Korean conflict. Ray achieved the rank of Captain before the conclusion of his military service.
Ray lived his civilian life having a successful cotton farming business, and retired from the Flowing Wells Irrigation District serving as Assistant Superintendent. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and later caring for his beloved miniature ponies and donkeys.
He is preceded in death by his father Vyron M. Gibson; his mother Gertrude B. Gibson; sisters Blanche Curtis, Thala Gibson and Ellanay Horton. He is survived by his son Roy (Jacqueline) Gibson; daughter Ann Gibson; 5 grandchildren, Erick (Christina) Gibson, Sandra (Virgil) Scherr, Joseph (Danyel) Romer, Isaac (Loni) Gastelum, Miguel Gastelum; 14 great grandchildren, Lauren, Gabriel, Taylor, Kaeden, Taylor, Morgan, Alyssa, Alexis, Ashlee, Braden, Britton, Ozscar, Kendra and Jude.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Chapel, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ.
What’s your fondest memory of Ray?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ray?
Share a story where Ray's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ray you’ll never forget.
How did Ray make you smile?