Milburn Champney Gibbs, Jr.

Milburn Champney Gibbs, Jr, 93, also known by many as “Bud” passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was born on July 5, 1932, in Madison, Florida to Milburn and Ruth Gibbs. He was a Veteran in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, he was sent to Korea where he served on one of several air bases in South Korea that provided air support for US troops fighting on the ground. During his military years, Milburn had a monthly allotment of his pay sent home to his mother where she was able to provide food for the family primarily from this generous gift. The 50s were years of grinding poverty for the Gibbs family in Madison and his mother told everyone many times that the family would not have survived without Milburn’s allotment.

After the military, Milburn really wanted to attend college, but he ruled that out due to the extent of poverty and financial needs of the family. He continued to help financially after he began working in the phosphate industry. He landed a job at the Bonnie plant (owned by IMC) where he was an instrument technician. He retired in 1999 with C F Industries, after working 46 years.

Milburn enjoyed golf, fishing, and “turtling” with his brothers and friends throughout his life. He will be remembered for his generosity and his ability to put others before himself. Growing up during the time he did, he saved everything. He was very creative with the things he saved and made use of everything. His grandkids were always amazed at the crisp dollar bills he would give to them on birthdays, Christmas and sometimes just because he wanted them to have “pocket money”. He was a sweet soul, and he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Gibbs, sisters, Emily Morris, Dorothy “Sis” Neff, Sheila Thomas, Brenda Corrie and his son-in-law, Jerry Pittman. He is survived by his two daughters, Shanna Calandros (John), Jill Pittman, both of Bartow, FL, son Sam Gibbs (Linda) of Pensacola, FL, two brothers, Ander Gibbs (Sandy) and Wayne Gibbs, sister Margaret DeLoach, five grandchildren Hayley Rhoden (Brandon), Suzanna Leatherbury (Shain), John Calandros (Allie), Tanner Pittman (Mandy) and Callie Jo Pittman (Collin) and four great grandchildren, Mara, George, Jennifer and Nora.

The family would also like to thank the staff at AUS Senior Living at Bartow and Cornerstone Hospice for their excellent care. Words cannot express how much we appreciate the love and care that was shown to our father in his final days.

A funeral service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at 11:00 am on Friday, March 6, 2026. Condolences to the family can be made at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com