Dwight Gibbs

William Dwight Gibbs, lovingly known as Dwight, of Fort Smith, passed away peacefully in his home on September 25, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on March 29, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, Dwight was the son of the late Dempsey Raymond Gibbs and Grace (Boyd) Gibbs. On January 15, 1965, he married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Blanscet, in Rye Hill, Arkansas, and they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage together.

Dwight was a terminal manager at Motor Freight and was the rate clerk at Leeway Motor Fright as well as an Operations Manager at Yellow Freight before retiring. He also played semi-professional baseball for the Fort Smith Giants. A devoted sports fan, he especially loved Arkansas collegiate athletics and could often be found cheering on his beloved Razorbacks. Outside of work and sports, Dwight enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and most of all, time spent with his family and friends. Known for his sweet and kind spirit, Dwight always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him and the love he poured into his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Jean Gibbs; his son, Kevin Ray Gibbs and wife Agnes; and his granddaughter, Kayla Spangler and husband Martin. He is also survived by his nieces: Lena Crain, Gena Olsen, Sherry Carter, and Brooke Harris; nephews Brian Trotter, Todd Blanscet, Dustin Blanscet, Harold Gibbs, Steve Foster, and Mike Foster; and his sister-in-laws Patricia Dill and Diana Blanscet.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Dempsey Gibbs; his sister, Glenda Foster and husband George; his brother, Ramon Gibbs and wife Ruth; brother-in-law Harold Blanscet; his father- and mother-in-law, Gene and Marie Blanscet; his niece Cindy Grubb; and nephew Bobby Gibbs.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Rye Hill Baptist Church, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Steve Stewart officiating. Pallbearers will be Kevin Gibbs, Aaron Crain, Steve Olsen, Bruce Fletcher, Dustin Blanscet, and Brian Trotter. Honorary pallbearers will be Woody Barnes, Bill Fant, Todd Blanscet, and the Arkansas Razorbacks to let him down one more time. Burial will follow at Steep Hill Cemetery at 12:00, and a reception will be held following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Rye Hill Baptist Church’s Building Fund for Future Growth. Services under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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