William J. "Bill" Gibson, 71, of Wilmington passed away suddenly on August 9, 2016. Bill was born January 13, 1945 in Pensacola, Florida to the late William G. Gibson and Anne (Roberts) Gibson. Bill loved his family and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He was very driven and a hardworking man. He was extremely dedicated, always giving 100% to any task he took on. Bill had several successful careers and accomplishments. In 1965, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served two tours for his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He received an honorable discharge in 1971 as a decorated Vietnam veteran. After his discharge Bill remained involved with the Marines. He was an active member of the VFW Post Chapter 83, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Marine Corps League, and Toys for Tots. He was awarded the Good Citizens award from the Marine Corps League in 2003. In 1971 Bill took on a second career with the Merchant Marines. After one and half years with the Merchant Marines, Bill went back to school and earned a teaching Degree from the University of Delaware in Special Education. Bill taught in both the Christina School District and Conrad School. Bill loved working with at risk students. His greatest role was as the lead teacher of "The Christina Restaurant School" at Medill School, a program for students who benefited from a non-traditional school setting. He was extremely proud of the program and the success the students achieved. After retiring from the district, Bill worked as a chef at local restaurants, and the Wilmington Blue Rocks. When Bill was not working he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, wood crafting, cooking, and spending time with his buddies. During Baseball season you could always find Bill listening to the New York Yankees and Blue Rocks on the radio while reading the paper. Bill is survived by his wife Kathleen (French) Gibson, daughters; Christina (Gibson) Tsatsaronis, husband Nicolas, Michelle Gibson, Sgt. Nicole (Gibson) Muir, husband SSgt John, Ariana Gibson, 6 Grandchildren, Siblings; Carol (Gibson) Illingsworth, husband Don, Steve Gibson, Jayne (Gibson) Robinson, husband, George , Debbie (Gibson) Galloway, Aunts, Uncles, many Nieces, and Nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Mealey Funeral Home, located at 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808 with visitation beginning after 10:30 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. Casual dress is requested. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Toys for Tots Marine Corps Reserve Center, 392 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. Condolences may be made at MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913.