Frank Oliver Gibbs

"THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE PRACTICED AND FACE MASKS BE WORN"

Frank Oliver Gibbs, Sr. of Miami Gardens, FL, 87, transitioned to his heavenly home in Ocala, FL on Sunday, August 23, 2020. 

Frank was born on January 4th, 1933 in White Hill, Saint Andrews, Barbados to Frank Oliver Gibbs and Kathleen Smalls. In his early years, he was known by his close family and friends as Rufus. He received formal training and education of upholstery and tailoring prior to emigrating to the United States on a work visa to serve as a farm worker in Florida sugar cane fields in 1952. He continued to work in the United States after displaying unique skills in carpentry - leading him to work in major cities along the East Coast, such as Baltimore, Boston, New York, and others. He proudly became a United States citizen in 1974. 

Frank settled in Florida, where he would grow his businesses, family, and lifelong friendships. His experience as a master carpenter and millwright afforded him the opportunity to work as a contractor and superintendent on v projects in South Florida. He constructed bridges and highways along with the modernization of areas such as Bayside, South Beach, the Port of Miami, and others. He continued to work until his retirement in 1989, and continued to oversee v projects. 

Frank was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council, Piledrivers, Divers, and Bridgebuilders Local Union 1026. He was also a proud member of Joshua Lodge Number One of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Florida. He also was a member of the NAACP. 

He was a member of Trinity Church in Miami Gardens, where he recommitted his life to Christ and was baptized in the Christian faith in 2002. He often shared his testimony of overcoming various health ailments and heart complications as what drew him closer to his faith. In 2009, he shared this testimony with his church: “I don’t like to talk about myself, but I will talk about what God has done for me. Today I will give a testimony about how God lifted me up. I had sixteen surgeries in my life, all of them were life threatening because when a doctor gives you anesthesia it's possible that you might not wake up. But, God woke me each time. I am blessed to be here.” In Ocala, he continued his walk in faith at Revealing Truth Ministries of Ocala.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank “Oliver” and Kathleen; daughter, Denise Gibbs; son, Frank Oliver Gibbs, Jr.; brother, Arnold Gibbs; sisters, Chrystaline Gibbs-Francis (Samuel) and Sybil Gibbs-Boyce (Darymble); brothers-in-law - Louis Brewster and Griffith Marques; and, sister-in-law - Gracie Gibbs. 

Known by many as “Mister G”, he continued to work with his hands and start new projects at his home with his family in Ocala, FL until his final moments. His life was a true reflection of Psalms 128:2, “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” 

He leaves to cherish his memories and zeal for life, his children - Orville Gibbs, Karen West (Levi), Marvin Gibbs (Sharon), Yvette Gibbs, and Tazreka Sanford (Terrence); grandchildren - Orville Gibbs, Jr. (Kandace), De’Ron Harvey, Levitriss McClellan (Earl), Valencia Daniels, Alvin Daniels, Jr., Avery Daniels, Austin Daniels, Lishunda Gibbs, Brendien Mitchell, Jr., Francesca Mitchell, Colin Mitchell, Willie Williams IV, Cedric Williams, Jr., Cedtazjiaun Williams, and Saxon Williams;his sisters - Gwendoline Gibbs-Brewster and Gloria Gibbs;  his brothers - James Gibbs (Beverly) and Emmanuel Gibbs (Dolcie); 16 great grand-children; a host of nieces, nephews, and family across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, and Barbados; special friends Richard and Mavis Sproul; and, many lifelong friends and co-workers.

Public viewing on Friday September 4, 2020 from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th St, Ocala, Fl. 34475

A family celebration of his life will be held on September 5 at 11am at the Reddick Church of God, 15670 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick, FL 32686.

A graveside service for his final rest will be held on September 12 at 11am at the Caballero Rivero Dade Memorial Park, North, 1301 NW Opa-Locka Blvd, Opa-locka, FL 33167. 

Condolences can be signed at www.Summersfh.com

"THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE PRACTICED AND FACE MASKS BE WORN"

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