George Joseph Gibbs, 63, of Rockford died July 22, 2013, at 4:20 p.m. at Alden Park Strathmoor. He was born on October 9, 1949, in Harrisonburg, VA; son of Myrtle (Gilkeson) Gibbs. George spent his childhood in Germany, Japan and Baltimore, MD. Graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts, with a minor in Business from Lyon College in AR; and attended Graduate School at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. United in marriage to Carol Ann Lee on June 25, 1977, in Omaha, NE. George was employed as a Human Resources Generalist for various manufacturing and educational institutions in Northern Illinois. George volunteered at the Tinker Swiss Cottage and the Rockford Airfest. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and going out to eat. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. George was an avid radio listener, enjoying talk radio and oldies. Survived by his wife Carol Ann of Rockford; daughter Laura (Matthew) Green of Rockford; grand dog, Carrie; brother-in-law Michael J. (Debi) Lee of Bellevue, NE; uncle Emory L. Thomas of Harrisonburg, VA; aunt Corinne Richter of Towson, MD; cousin Patricia (Jim) Wichael of Mt. Solon, VA; cousin James L. (Karen) Thomas of Lexington, KY; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother. A celebration of George's life will be July 26, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 South Alpine Rd., Rockford. Pastor Gordy Smith will officiate. Memorial Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a fund to be established in George's memory. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.graceFH.com .