James Clay Gibbs

James Clay Gibbs, 82, of Arcadia, Florida left this earth to be with Jesus on January 27, 2022. He was born to Ned Alexander Gibbs and Maude Clay Gibbs in Morganton, North Carolina on March 26, 1939. Clay grew up in Thomasville, North Carolina, then attended Pfeiffer University where he earned a BA in Christian Education. Clay was in the choir and was a member of Pfeiffer’s first Men’s Soccer Team. After college Clay joined the US Navy. Upon his completion of Naval Service, he met Judy on a trolley car in San Francisco. They were married in the summer of 1964 and went on to have two daughters, Lynn and Sharon. Clay and Judy lived in Sebring, Florida for 9 years, and have resided in Arcadia, Florida for the last 40 years where Clay was Business Manager at Bread Ministries and a faithful member of New Life Family Worship Center. He enjoyed working outdoors and researching his ancestry. He enjoyed studying the Bible, watching golf and football. He was always fond of the Blue Ridge Mountains and made many family trips there. Clay is remembered for his kind and friendly mannerisms, generosity, love for God, and for his famous back rubs. Clay was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother Alex Gibbs (Trina), of Phoenix, AZ. Clay is survived by Judy, his wife of 58 years, his daughters Lynn Gillispie (Michael) of Wauchula, FL, Sharon Long (Clay) of Punta Gorda, FL, and his grandchildren Alex, Micayla, and Brandon. He is also survived by his youngest brother David Gibbs (Leslie), of Thomasville, NC, and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at New Life Family Worship Center in Arcadia (3162 NW Roundhouse Drive, Arcadia, FL 34266) on February 26, 2022 at 11AM. A private family burial will take place at another time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 1017 Arcadia, FL 34265 or to: Tidewell Hospice@ https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/