John E. Gibbs, 75, of Big Spring, died on Sunday, March 8, 2009, in a Memphis, Tennessee hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel in Big Spring, with Rev. Monroe Teeters, pastor of Salem Baptist Church, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, May, Texas.The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, March 20th at the funeral home.He was born on June 2, 1933 in May, Texas and married Judy Word on August 25, 1962 in Midland, Texas.Mr. Gibbs was a graduate of Brownwood High School. He attended Texas A&M University and served his country in the U.S. Army in Germany in the early 1950's. He worked over 40 years for Mobil Oil Corporation in the West Texas and Eastern New Mexico oilfields. He had resided in Odessa, Lovington, Seminole, Monahans and at last Big Spring for over 25 years. He recently moved to the Houston area and then briefly to Memphis, Tn. to stay close to his grandchildren. John E. loved to hunt, fish and explore and spent many hours with his family pursuing those interests. He later traveled in the western United States, Canada and Alaska with his wife Judy during retirement. He was a devoted husband, father and provider. He was a member of the Salem Baptist Church as well. John E. had come to know many people since coming from Central Texas to West Texas. He had a great skill for remembering people and where they were from. He would always proudly proclaim that he was from "West Texas".Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, James "Chuck" and Lindie Gibbs of Brighton, Tn.; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Sylvia Gibbs, nephew Jim Gibbs, niece Laura Gibbs and four grandchildren, Pearce Council, Granger, Grace and Paige Gibbs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy and his eldest brother and sister-in-law James Hugh and Patsy Gibbs.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,