Billy Ralph Gibson Jr., 61, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
A native of Mobile, Alabama and a resident of Denham Springs, Billy was a loving and supportive husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a man of strong faith who was known for selflessly volunteering his time for others and always helping those in need.
A 1981 graduate of Woodlawn High School, Billy attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. After working as a newspaper sports editor in McComb, Miss., he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and received his Masters of Journalism.
He spent the majority of his career working for rural electrical cooperatives in both Louisiana and South Dakota as Director of Communications. After his recent retirement, he enjoyed working with the Livingston Parish News reporting on area events, writing news releases and creating content videos.
One of his passions was telling other people’s stories. He also enjoyed playing his guitar, spending time outdoors, dedicating time for exercise and fitness, driving his Mustang nicknamed “Peanut” and cheering on Alabama Crimson Tide football (Roll Tide!). Billy gave generously of his time and talents, volunteering for various causes throughout his life. He was serving on the Camp Istrouma Board of Directors and volunteered many hours at The Ranch Ministries in South Dakota.
Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m., followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Service conducted by Rev. Leslie Hyacinth.
Billy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Wendy Soulier Gibson; daughter Casey and son Austin; mother Sarah Gibson Guerin (Bernard); sister Lisa Gibson Cloy (Joseph); niece Stephanie Cloy Whetstone (Dustin); nephews Parker and Peyton Cloy, great-nephews Gibson and Shepherd Whetstone, mother-in-law Betty Barbier Soulier, sister-in-law Molly Soulier Gilchrest (Chris), and nieces Naomi Browning, Peyton and Brianna Gilchrest.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ralph Gibson Sr., niece, Caroline Hope Cloy and father-in-law, Gerald A. Soulier.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Istrouma at campistrouma.com/donate or to The Ranch Ministries, 1905 South 113 Ave., Omaha, NE 68144 “God Doesn’t Waste Pain”.
12 comments
John Lowrey
December 20, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Billy was a good friend, editor, writer, drone pilot, photographer and much more. He had a lot of friends across the country who were also members of NRECA’s Statewide Editors Association. My condolences Wendy, Casey and Austin.
Mark Shepherd
December 20, 2024 at 2:50 pm
In life, God brings people into your life. You are truly blessed when you meet one, who profoundly impacts your life and changes you for the better! God blessed me, at the Capstone, when he had Billy’s and my paths cross. We became steadfast friends, “podnahs” as we often referred to ourselves! We used the imagery of 2 Riders making our way through life. Sometimes together and other times apart, however our friendship remained rock solid. We shared so much together, Life, Family, Good Times/Bad Times and always looking forward to the next Time! I realize God needed you in Heaven, and fond memories of will help to heal. The Rider mounts his steed and carries on, with a warmth in his heart and smile on his face! He knows full well the Riders will meet up Yonder and ride again! I Love you Brother!!
Kristina Pounds
December 20, 2024 at 2:22 am
Wendy, Casey and Austin you are all in my prayers. I have fond memories of spending time with Billy and Wendy while at LSU and I am so sorry for your loss.
Kim Moore Woods
December 20, 2024 at 12:43 am
Wendy and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendi Bennett
December 20, 2024 at 12:33 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Billy was so strong in his faith. He was a mentor to my son after my husbands passing and gave Nolan such great guidance in his life. I could never thank him enough for his support.
Sid Sperry
December 19, 2024 at 6:23 pm
My sincere condolences to Wendy, and family. Billy was a dear friend. I always appreciated his humor, wit, wisdom, and that defining “Southern Drawl”! He was a true professional in every sense of the word. He definitely will be missed.
Stacey L Conly, Saline SWCD
December 19, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Wendy, you will be in my prayers!!! I am so sorry!
Arlene Culpepper
December 19, 2024 at 2:24 pm
Wendy, our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this time. May God wrap his arms around you all and comfort you.
Patricia Genre
December 19, 2024 at 2:13 pm
I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. We appreciate Billy sharing his time and talents with our community. He was a wonderful storyteller and we are so grateful to him for telling ours!
Tracy A HERNANDEZ jr
December 18, 2024 at 10:49 pm
wendy so sorry for your loss. tracy & karen hernandez love you
pat tolbert stanley
December 18, 2024 at 8:59 pm
Sarah I am so sorry to hear about your son. You are in my prayers/ Pat Tolbert Stanley
Lynda L Gardiner
December 18, 2024 at 6:03 pm
Billy, you we’ll be missed! You have touched many lives in your walk in life! You were the best of the best at everything you touched! Livingston Parish lost a wonderful asset in this community. Your published news articles, videos and your overall kindness was truly a blessing. You always had a smile and a kind word to everyone you came in contact with including myself! I am proud to say you were a true friend that will never be forgotten. God takes the good one’s first. I pray you will be able to hear my son’s story on the other side and please tell him he’s mama loves him! Billy loved his family and was so proud of his son and daughter and he adored his wife, Wendy. I had the pleasure to meet Billy a year ago and he was remarkable and loved life.
There will never be another Billy Gibson!