Richard Elwood Gibson of North Garden passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday , February 28, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Barbara Jean Lilly Gibson; his parents Elwood Eugene Gibson and Lena Ann McAllister Gibson of Charlottesville; and his son Richard Elwood Gibson II of Keswick. He is survived by five children; Teresa Ann Deane and husband Craig of Keswick, Martha Jane "Janie" Beverly and husband Sammy of Crozet, Michael Eugene Gibson and wife Donna of Earlysville, Timothy Wayne Gibson, Sr. o f North Garden, Barbara Jean Powell of North Garden. He is survived by five sisters; Betty Gibson James and husband V. L of Crozet, Rebecca Gibson Lively and husband Raymond of Charlottesville, Leura Gibson Crawford of Charlottesville, Peggy Gibson Morris of Scottsville, and Dorothy Gibson Lively and husband Gene of Charlottesville; two brothers; James Gibson and wife Evelyn of Charlottesville, and Cecil Gibson of Charlottesville. He is survived by 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved dog Lilly.

Elwood worked at Monticello Dairy for nineteen years, Albemarle County school system for ten years, emergency department at UVA for ten years, farm manager at the Hamilton's for ten years. He then retired to then enjoy his life at home, where he spent a lot of time with family, traveling, keeping a garden, volunteering at local food banks; and enjoying fellowship at local churches weekly. Elwood was a well-liked man; he enjoyed joking around with friends and family at gatherings, singing, dancing and playing the guitar, he was an avid Elvis fan; he had a contagious laugh. He was a very active man, and spent a lot of time outdoors.

Family will receive friends at the Anderson Funeral Home on Thursday from 6-8 on March 2, 2017.

A funeral service will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 am on Friday March 3, 2017. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville, Va.

Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.