The Gibsons Celebrate 70 Years of Marriage

Retired Major and Mrs. Norman D. Gibson (better known as Doug and Louise) were honored recently by a surprise 70th wedding anniversary at Milazzo’s Restaurant in Covington.

Their two sons and wives, Steve and Shiela Gibson of Peachtree City and Ernest and Missy Gibson of Lake Lanier hosted the event.

All four grandchildren and all four great-grandchildren were present. Also attending were Major Gibson’s sister, Katie Kilby and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Domine of Monticello.

The table was adorned with a two-tiered anniversary cake, complete with balloons, a menu and place cards with pictures of the couple.

The couple met in Dallas, Texas, while (then) Lt. Gibson was serving in the Air Force. After three months, they became engaged and drove to Georgia to meet the groom’s family and were married in the Atlanta home of the groom on May 19, 1946.

Doug was 20 years old and Louise was 19. Since this was a “war time” wedding, many thought the marriage would not last.

Major Gibson served in three wars—World War II where he flew P-38 fighter aircrafts and the air transport Globemaster airplane. He also served in the Korean and the Vietnam Wars.

His overseas tours included Occupied Japan, Hawaii (before it was a state), and Turkey. Louise and their sons accompanied Doug throughout his service years. Their oldest son, Gary, now deceased, was born in Japan. Steve was born in Montana, and Ernie was born in Delaware. The two surviving sons now live in Georgia, near their parents.

After serving his country for 24 years, Doug and Louise and sons retired to Jackson Lake next door to his parent’s cottage. They were one of the first permanent residents on the lake when they built their house in 1967.

They have resided in Jasper County on the lake for 49 years. Doug and Louise have enjoyed the people, golf and lake activities all these years.

After traveling the world and living in many places, Doug, 90, and Louise, 89, agree, “The sunrise and sunset over the water on Jackson Lake is the prettiest sight of all!”