Sam Fleming Gibbons passed away at the age of 77 on November 9, 2025. Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda (Sampietro) Gibbons; his children, Christy (Gibbons) Rilette and Drew Gibbons; his daughter-in-law Sarah Gibbons; and four grandchildren, Mia Rilette, Caroline Rilette, Edward Gibbons, and Margaret Gibbons. Sam is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Eleanor (Fleming) Gibbons, and his brother, Edward Gibbons, Jr.
Sam grew up in Collierville, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Memphis, where he met Linda. He graduated with a degree in biology, earned a master’s in education, and returned to Collierville to teach and coach at the high school for five years. He transitioned to sales and marketing, working for Novartis Pharmaceuticals (formerly Ciba-Geigy) for over 30 years. His career opportunities led the family to several moves that shaped and enriched their lives with new friends and experiences, making homes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia, Georgia, and New Jersey.
Sam and Linda eventually retired to Miramar Beach, Florida in 2007 at the urging of their good friends and neighbors, Phil and Sukey Brooks. They soon made many new friends and became very involved in the community, volunteering at Resurrection Catholic Church and at the local hospital.
Sam, affectionately known as Sammy in his youth, and “Bud” to his grandchildren, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He followed God’s path with humility, raised his children with love, and treated all with dignity and respect. He was a fiercely positive force in the world and he will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. We ask that you remember him for the way he lived his life, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church in Miramar Beach (259 Miramar Beach Drive). Following the service, a reception will be held at the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam’s name to the church’s outreach program, “Resurrection Cares” (https://www.osvhub.com/resurrectionbythebeach/giving/funds), in which he was actively involved and for which he cared deeply.
