Billy Ralph Gibson Jr., 61, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
A native of Mobile, Alabama and a resident of Denham Springs, Billy was a loving and supportive husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a man of strong faith who was known for selflessly volunteering his time for others and always helping those in need.
A 1981 graduate of Woodlawn High School, Billy attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. After working as a newspaper sports editor in McComb, Miss., he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and received his Masters of Journalism.
He spent the majority of his career working for rural electrical cooperatives in both Louisiana and South Dakota as Director of Communications. After his recent retirement, he enjoyed working with the Livingston Parish News reporting on area events, writing news releases, and creating content videos.
One of his passions was telling other people’s stories. He also enjoyed playing his guitar, spending time outdoors, dedicating time for exercise and fitness, driving his Mustang nicknamed “Peanut” and cheering on Alabama Crimson Tide football (Roll Tide!). Billy gave generously of his time and talents, volunteering for various causes throughout his life. He was serving on the Camp Istrouma Board of Directors and volunteered many hours at The Ranch Ministries in South Dakota.
Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m., followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Service conducted by Rev. Leslie Hyacinth.
Billy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Wendy Soulier Gibson; daughter Casey and son Austin; mother Sarah Gibson Guerin (Bernard); sister Lisa Gibson Cloy (Joseph); niece Stephanie Cloy Whetstone (Dustin); nephews Parker and Peyton Cloy, great-nephews Gibson and Shepherd Whetstone, mother-in-law Betty Barbier Soulier, sister-in-law Molly Soulier Gilchrest (Chris), and nieces Naomi Browning, Peyton and Brianna Gilchrest.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ralph Gibson Sr., niece, Caroline Hope Cloy and father-in-law, Gerald A. Soulier.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Istrouma at campistrouma.com/donate or to The Ranch Ministries, 1905 South 113 Ave., Omaha, NE 68144 “God Doesn’t Waste Pain”.
