HORNELL – Raymond Edwin Gibson, born 22 January 1939, passed away on 8 February 2025 at the age of 86. Raymond…aka “Hoot” Gibson, was a loving father to his six children, Robin Williams, Raymond Gibson Jr., Sharon Houghtaling, Brenda Hawkins, David Gibson and Karen James, and 20 grandchildren. He and Bonnie (Coddington) Gibson were married on 21 September 1957 and were devoted to each other for 67 years!
R.E. Gibson started his career as the youngest Train Engineer on the Erie Railroad in June 1956 and had his “Gibson General Contractor” business in Hornell. A handshake and his word were his contract with most people in Hornell and that’s how Hoot gained the trust and confidence in his customers and friends. Terry Eason and Andy Butler remained loyal friends to him throughout his career.
Ray was always up for a trip to the beach and to Disney World, hanging out with his children and grandchildren and of course Mickey Mouse…in the happiest place on earth. After his 2nd retirement, Ray and Bonnie travelled around the U.S. visiting their children and grandchildren in various states…ending their travels and living out their final retirement years in North Carolina and Texas.
Ray loved sitting in a garage door entrance for hours, listening to country radio (Willie Nelson radio was the best), talking about the “old days” and having a few ice-cold beers with his family. He said his best creations ever were his children and knew the love of his life, Bonnie, would be by his side when the Lord received him home.
His legacy is his smile, candid and genuine care of people and never meeting a stranger when he walked in the room. Ray would talk to anyone, loved people watching and even loved a great Ruben sandwich. He was an avid singer of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” (From Song of the South) & “You Are My Sunshine” (From Jimmie Davis) teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren both songs.
The Lord received Hoot (a rowdy addition) through his gates and someone who will watch over his family even from above. We LOVE YOU Ray! Safe travels beyond and until we meet again good sir!
There will be no service or funeral at this time and the family asks you to please consider telling your family how much you love them before the opportunity fades away.
Thank you and please keep the Gibson Family in your hearts and in your prayers!
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Ray’s family.
Online condolences or remembrances of Ray are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & Desanto.
