Gib Gosnell

William O'Gilvey Gosnell, 94 of Campobello, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 while at home.  Born on March 20, 1922, Gib was born and spent most of his adult life in the Campobello area.  He graduated from Campobello High school and attended Rabon Gap Junior College, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.  A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps  in November 1942. Upon completing basic training at Parris Island, SC he was assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations.  On October 1943, after a grueling selection process, he was chosen to serve as a Marine Raider and assigned to the 4th Marine Raider Battalion, one of four such special operation battalions that were specifically created to battle the Japanese.  He remained with the Raiders until the battalions were disbanded in late 1944, when he was assigned to the 4th Marine Division.  He saw action against the enemy on Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa and the Ryuku Islands.  After being wounded on Guam in April 1945, he was sent to New Zealand to convalesce before participated in the occupation of Japan following the Japanese surrender from August -November 1945.  In addition to being a Purple Heart Recipient, he received the Asiatic-Pacific with Bronze Stars, The Victory Medal and a Navy Unit Commendation Letter.
After serving his country, Gib also served his community.  First as a member of the Campobello Town Council for over 32 years, 20 of which serving as mayor until retiring in 1988.   He served over 40 years as a deacon at the Campobello First Baptist Church and was a 32 Degree Mason in the Landrum Lodge.  Gib worked for over 38 years at ML Lowenstein's Lyman Finishing and Printing Company as a floor supervisor, until his retirement in 1988.  He was also an active member of the plant's textile basketball league and maintained a lifelong love of all sports, but especially basketball, baseball and later, racing.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son and friend.  His quiet, humble and thoughtful manner was only surpassed by his love for his family, his church and his God.  He was quick to offer a "thank you" to family and friends alike whenever they provided any level assistance or simplest act of kindness. While he will be missed beyond measure, he leaves behind a life well lived…one of service, caring, kindness and most importantly love of his fellow man.
He is survived his three sons Reggie (Cheryl) of Conway, Mark (Cindy) of Little Mountain and Jerry (Teresa) of Landrum. Grandchildren Lee, Christopher, Stephen (Courtney), Gil, Casey, Andrew (Megan Boehling), and Jessica, along with great grandchildren Avery and Adelyn.  His life at home was greatly enriched by the care and attention provided by his caregivers:  Toni Pace, Margaret Shults, Anne West and Shelley Matthews.  As his health declined, following the death of his true love and soul mate LaVerne; he was under the added care of Agape Hospice and his wonderful CNA Nika along with nurses Jackie and Allison.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years LaVerne Kesler Gosnell, his parents Thomas Elford Gosnell, Sr. and Jesse Compton Gosnell, two sisters and four brothers. 
Visitation with the family will be from 1:00-2:30 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at First Baptist Church Campobello, followed at 2:30pm with the services.  Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Landrum, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Campobello First Baptist's Building Fund or Agape Hospice.

 Service Information