Cecil Russell Gibbs

Cecil Russell Gibbs, 72, of Big Spring, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Private services were held.

Russell was born December 1, 1951, in Big Spring, Texas, to parents Avis Bernice (McMillin) and Cecil Barney Gibbs of Knott.

After finishing high school in Ackerly, Russell attended Howard County Junior College. He worked to pay his own way. One of his first jobs was as dispatcher for the Big Spring Police Department. Working nights and attending college during the day took its toll. He left the police department and went to work at Safeway where he had more time for study and made many lasting friendships and fun memories.

Neither college nor retail fulfilled Russell’s dream of being a mechanic like his dad. He went to work for Jack Lewis Buick & Cadillac and later for Bob Brock Ford. He earned both GM and Ford awards and certification in many areas, but set his sights on becoming a heavy equipment mechanic. That led him to work for West Texas Cat and in the oilfield industry. Later, his age and failing health led him into less strenuous jobs and an early retirement.

Growing up on a farm brought many rewarding and beneficial experiences. Russell developed a love for animals and a knowledge of how to take care of them. He loved all animals but especially dogs and cats. Long hours on the tractor and other farm chores brought a strong work ethic. As soon as he was big enough to reach the gears and pedals of the tractor, he helped his dad in the field. Hard work was a way of life that served him well when he grew up.

Life on the farm presented some challenges that required learning how to shoot guns to ward off coyotes and to dispatch the ever-present rattlesnakes. Hunting became one of Russell’s greatest passions. From cap guns to his first .22, he read, studied, and learned how to handle shotguns, rifles, and handguns. He spent many hours walking and tracking varmints through nearby fields and pastures or simply doing target practice.

Russell met Carlene on a blind date set up by his best friend’s family, who were also some of Carlene’s students. The young couple married in 1973 and shared more than 51 years as not only husband and wife, but as best friends. They lived in Big Spring; however, after their daughter Hollie was born, they wanted her to attend school at Sands where Carlene taught. They moved to Ackerly for a time. While there, Russell served one term on the City Council.

Hollie and her husband Dex have two beautiful daughters – Paisyn and Falynn. After retiring, Russell and Carlene were able to spend more time doing what they enjoyed—spending time with their precious granddaughters and working on building projects at home.

Russell’s relationship with Jesus came later in life, but he loved the Lord and spent a great deal of time reading and studying God’s Word. His favorite scripture was Ecclesiastes 3. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church at the time of his passing.

Russell is survived by his wife Carlene (Hammack) Gibbs; his daughter Hollie Allred and husband Dex and two grandchildren Paisyn Allred and Falynn Allred.

He was preceded in death by in his parents and an infant sister Noma Linda Gibbs.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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