Charles Lee (Chuck) Gibbons

Charles Lee (Chuck) Gibbons, 62, of Oneonta, passed away Dec. 28, 2025. He was born Nov. 24, 1963, in Wetumpka, AL. He was the son of Robert Wayne and Anita Henson Gibbons. 

Mr. Gibbons was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Robert Lee and Myrtle Gibbons and Harold and Estelle Henson; and brother-in-law Tim Hester. 

He was a 1982 graduate of Oneonta High School. He started his college career at Snead State Community College with a scholarship as a statistician in their athletic department. He was also a 1989 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. Throughout his life, he was employed by the US Census Bureau, The Birmingham News, and Gibbons Chevron. He was also a caregiver for his parents during their later years. He received Christ as his Savior during the 1972 Billy Graham crusade in Birmingham and was a member of Redeemer Community Church in Oneonta. 

Charles was a lifelong sports and history lover. After teaching himself how to read at the age of 4 with a set of books about the American Presidents, he could name them forwards, backwards, or by number. This was the start of a lifetime love of history and politics. His love for sports also started at an early age. He was a lifelong fan of the Oneonta Redskins and Auburn Tigers. He participated in recreation league, junior varsity, and varsity football at Oneonta. 

He started keeping statistics for Oneonta sports while playing rec league baseball. He continued through his years as a student at Oneonta, expanding to include basketball and football. Upon his return to Oneonta after college, he began his 35+ years as volunteer statistician for the Redskin football and basketball programs. He was the go-to information resource for all things sports related to Oneonta and Blount County. 

In addition to keeping stats, he coached. His first coaching job was coaching his sisters in playing three-person backyard baseball with the assistance of ghost runners. While at Auburn he coached the intramural basketball team, “Big Men On Campus,” comprised of several Auburn football and baseball stars. Through his years volunteering, he developed strong relationships with coaches and players. He was a faithful fan and supporter of coaches, players, and fans, no matter what – win or lose. 

He was a kind soul, faithful Christian, and loved by family and friends. He is survived by brother Ronald (Brenda) Gibbons of Plaquemine, La.; sisters Sara Hester and Janna (Chris) NeSmith, all of Oneonta; nephews John (Alycia) Gibbons, Cade NeSmith, Colt NeSmith, Adam (Jessica) NeSmith, Eric (Whitney) NeSmith, Evan (Abbey) NeSmith, and Andrew (Savannah) Koon; great nephews and nieces Robbie Gibbons, Hank Gibbons, Harrison NeSmith, Ella Ray NeSmith, Ada NeSmith, Emmett NeSmith, and Berkeley NeSmith; and aunts, an uncle, and many cousins and friends. 

Rev. Chase Higginbotham, Rev. Austin Crim, Lee Guyton, and Coach Phil Phillips conducted services at FBC-Oneonta Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. with burial following at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers wew members of the Oneonta football and basketball coaching staff: Jonathan Butler, Cory Glasscock, Jaylen Johnson, Austin Owens, Adam Tekulve, and John Michah Whited. 

Visitation was 5:30 to 8 p.m., Jan. 2, 2026, at Lemley Memorial Funeral Home. He lay in state at the church from 10 a.m. until funeral time. Gideons International and the Class of 1982 Gibbons Memorial Scholarship at Oneonta High School were two causes near and dear to Charles. 

Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.