Marcel Franklin Gibbons

Marcel F. "Zeke" Gibbons, 70, of Church Hill, TN, left this world to enter his eternal home after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, November 7th, 2024.

He was born in Kingsport, TN but spent most of his life in Hawkins County. He worked for the State of Tennessee and was a Maintenance Supervisor at Warriors Path Park for 20 years. He was maintenance supervisor at the City of Church Hill in the Street Department for 19 years.

He also enjoyed working on the family farm. In later years he took up walking and hiking. He truly enjoyed the nature trails of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He was a great story teller. He had a great memory of older times and faces, recalling wonderful stories including voice changes depending upon who the story was about. He could entertain for many hours.

Zeke was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother.

He is now happy and free from pain having joined his family that has passed on in the Golden Streets of Heaven. Our love and special memories will keep us connected until we stroll over Heaven together.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Ballad Hospice Care and the Ballad Hospice House. Special thanks to Chaplain Anna Butler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Lee and Doris Chapman Gibbons; first wife, Carolyn "Susie" Bullock Gibbons; brother, Warren Gibbons.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of over 8 years, Rachel Grindstaff Gibbons; daughter, Janie Olinger and husband Brian; son, Mark Gibbons and wife Patricia; step-son, Adam Berry; five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren; sister, Penny Sizemore; brother, Jerry Gibbons and wife Denise; and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 11th, at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (309 Mt Pleasant Road) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A private graveside will be at Davis-Larkins Cemetery on Gibbon's Farm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.