James Lee Gibbs

James Lee Gibbs, Sr. passed away Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 at his home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Rev. John Marks officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home. Lee was born in Louisville, Kentucky on August 19, 1952 to the late Harold Elkins and Betty Goldsmith Elkins. He was a man of strong convictions and passed those down to his sons. Lee loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed collecting old coins and baseball cards and loved classic cars. Lee was a very dedicated and hardworking man that retired from Lorillard after 44 years of service. In his time at Lorillard, he was an active member of the union who fought for his coworkers’ rights. He was reliable, morally sound and believed in people. In his younger years, Lee was an undefeated, three time Golden Glove Champion Boxer. Along with his parents, Lee was preceded in death by a brother, George Elkins. Survivors include his wife, Susan Gibbs of the home; sons: James Gibbs, Jr and wife, Bonnie of Gibsonville and Tony Gibbs and wife, Katie of Stokesdale and stepson, Kyle Bryant of New York; grandchildren: Samantha, James Lee III, Benjamin, William, Haley and Jacob Gibbs; sister, Paula Elkins Smith; and brothers: Ricky Elkins, Artie Elkins, Kelly Elkins and Tommy Gibbs; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375.