Curtis Gibson, 94, of Starke, Florida, passed away on March 22, 2025, after a short illness.Curtis, affectionately known as "Poppops," was born on April 26, 1930, in Knott County, Kentucky. He attended Knott County High School, where he played basketball and graduated in 1949. After graduation, he worked in the auto industry before entering active duty in the U.S. Army in October 1951. Curtis served in the Korean War as a tank driver with the Tank Company, 31st Regiment. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Campaign Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1953. Following his military service, Curtis returned to the auto industry in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked for Kelsey Hayes as an Electronic Engineer. His work focused on the development and testing of computerized braking systems. During his career, he earned certification as an automotive mechanic and received an associate degree in engineering. He proudly drove over a million miles across nearly every U.S. state testing vehicle brakes.One day while walking through downtown Hindman, Kentucky, Curtis noticed a store clerk setting up a display windowit was love at first sight. That clerk was Mary Alice, and they were married on September 17, 1955. Together, they had four children: Kathy, Richard, Carolyn, and Gary. Curtis and Mary Alice shared 68 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in May 2024.After retiring in 1990, Curtis enjoyed traveling with Mary Alice, taking cruises with family, fishing, boating, bowling, golfing, and spending time working in the yard. He was an enthusiastic Jacksonville Jaguars fan and a lifelong supporter of his beloved Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, K and Lula Gibson; his wife, Mary Alice Gibson; his daughter Kathy Gibson; his son Richard Gibson; his brothers Eugene Gibson and Bennie Gibson; and his sisters Lydia Reynolds and Aileen Hicks.He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Cragg and son-in-law Rick Cragg; his son Gary Gibson; and four grandchildren: Candace (Michael) Osteen, Jenna (Robert) Hewett, Courtney (Brad) Witt, and Kayleb. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Michael, Madelynn, Ella, Aubrey, Knox, Oaklee, Brady, and Riley.On behalf of the family, thank you for joining us in celebrating the life ofCurtis Gibsona beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and true American heroArrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 East Nona Street, Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Crosby Lake Cemetery 100-6830 NW 75th Ave Starke FL 32091 US Visitation Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Kingsley Lake Baptist Church 6289 Mary Dot Lane Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Service Thursday, March 27, 2025 11:00 AM - Kingsley Lake Baptist Church 6289 Mary Dot Lane Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176