James Leonard Gibson, born on August 6, 1952, went to be with his Heavenly Father on August 30, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and passing peacefully.

Leonard was a strong Christian man whose faith in God was deeply rooted in both his life and his family. His faith helped shape the man he was, the way he loved, and the values he carried throughout his life.

Leonard will be remembered as a man who loved to stay busy and took great pride in the things that brought him joy. Known by many nicknames throughout his life, including Wildman, Leo, and most of all Skynard, he left a lasting impression on those around him with his strong spirit and the way he embraced the people and passions he loved.

He loved to work, and he especially enjoyed cleaning and restoring cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They all held a special place in his heart, reflecting his appreciation for hard work, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasures that made life meaningful to him.

Some of Leonard’s greatest joy was found simply in being “Granddaddy.” Olivia Ann Inge was the first to give him that role when she became part of his family as a young girl, and the memories they shared during her childhood always held a special place in his life. In the years that followed, being Granddaddy to Abigail Marie Gibson and Jazlyn Grace Gibson became a cherished part of his everyday life. Jazlyn lovingly gave him one more title, “Granddaddy the Great,” a name that suited him well. He delighted in helping care for them, playing with them, watching their personalities grow, and being present for the countless ordinary moments that make a relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughters so special. Those everyday memories are a lasting reflection of the love and joy his granddaughters brought into his life.

Leonard also loved his dogs, Buddy and Annabelle, whose companionship and personalities brought another special kind of happiness to his home and daily life. He also held a special place in his heart for Baer, whose passing last year was deeply felt and whose memory remained with him.

Leonard is survived by his beloved wife of 46 amazing years, Marie Gibson, who shared his life and love; by his sons, Jason L. Gibson and Brian K. Gibson; his daughter-in-law, Erin S. Gibson; and by his granddaughters, Olivia Ann Inge, Abigail Marie Gibson, and Jazlyn Grace Gibson. He was preceded in death by his father, George Gibson; his mother, Carolyne Byrd Gibson; and his brother, George Wayne Gibson.

In the days since his passing, those who knew Leonard have described him in many ways: amazing, one of a kind, true to himself, special, old school, and a legend. Each of those words speaks to a different part of the man he was. He lived life on his own terms, loved deeply, worked hard, and never pretended to be anything other than himself.

Those who knew Leonard will remember a man of energy, devotion, and unmistakable character. His memory lives on in the family he loved, in the stories attached to his many nicknames, and in the lasting warmth of the moments he shared with those closest to him.

Care of Leonard has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.