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Community Mourns Passing Of NWE Youth Football Coach Greg Gibson
August 12, 2021
The North Escambia community is mourning the loss of youth league football coach Greg Gibson.
Gibson served as president of Northwest Escambia (NWE) Chiefs Football and Cheer since 2013 and had coached most years since 2002.
He passed away early Thursday morning due to COVID-19, leaving behind a wife and his children. And hundreds of other children he loved and influenced in the community.
“Very, very tragic news. The Northwest Escambia community has lost a young man that has been the rock for Northwest Escambia football ever since I’ve been in office,” Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said during a Thursday morning BOCC Committee of the Whole meeting. “He loved those kids like his own.”
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Greg’s dedication and persistence and advocacy on behalf of those young people in that Bradberry Park, Bratt, Byrneville communities, Walnut Hill. Very likely there wouldn’t be a Northwest Escambia football organization.”
“They’re going to be fielding twice the size of the league this year, as they have last few years. And, and that’s in large part due to Greg’s efforts and it’s I was shocked. I was shocked when I heard that this morning and it’s just one of the most tragic things that I’ve heard in a number of years. Just a very, very good guy that did everything for the right reasons,” Barry continued. “Bradberry Park wouldn’t be what it is today without Greg’s help and advocacy.”
“Greg Gibson was a wonderful person, a wonderful coach,” Commissioner Lumon May said. “It’s just a sad day in the youth football world.”
“It’s just a sad day, and it reminds us of how dangerous and how mean COVID and the coronavirus can be,” May said. “It just has to be a worse day nightmare that a little league coach with so much influence would die from COVID.”
Hundreds of tributes and condolences were offered Thursday morning on Facebook. Here are just a few:
“This news has shocked our small town where everyone who lives here loves Greg.”
“Greg Gibson made such a huge impact on so many here in the surrounding areas. Great role model and such a great inspiration. Never seen Greg when he didn’t put all his energy into encouraging, motivating, and uplifting someone in some way. He did everything he did with a smile.”
“Our community is heartbroken this morning.”
“To say that you played a huge part in every player that’s ever played under you is the biggest understatement in this world. I’m absolutely broken to hear this. You did more than just coach a team you made us into who we are.”
“My heart is so incredibly broken this morning. Thank you Greg Gibson for pouring into our kids and this community.”
“Thank you Greg Gibson for the footprints you left in all of my boys’ hearts over the years of not only building ball players but instilling the values of character, discipline, leadership, perseverance, friendship, family and kindness to help them grow into good men. You have truly touched the lives of so many people, and because of your kind, encouraging heart your legacy will live on.”
“We lost a great man, coach, mentor, and friend this morning…We love you Greg and we will deeply miss you.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
17 Responses to “Community Mourns Passing Of NWE Youth Football Coach Greg Gibson”
Fly high brother, i know god has you leading from the front. you are an inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. im gonna miss seeing you in the gym. til i see you again, rest easy brother
Thank you all for the prayers and everything you’ve done during this time. The kids and I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love from our community. Hugs to you all!!
So sorry to hear.
My thoughts and prayers for the family.
What a terrific person Greg was, what a wonderful heart.
Seems like yesterday when we talked about football schemes and who we thought would win the championship games I’m gonna miss seeing you always in our thoughts and prayers my condolences to the family
So sorry for the lost, praying for his family.
Justin, all of us here at My Father’s Arrows are praying for you and your family. Our hearts are hurting for your loss. May God comfort you and your family .
I knew and played with Greg when we were in high school. He was a good guy. I’m sorry to hear about his passing. It’s a loss to the community. Prayers to his family and the students.
Dear Greg you will be missed, you were a great guy and you have an amazing family I hope you rip you were taken too soon. You will be missed dearly and forever in our hearts
I’ll miss this, Little Tank of a Man! I remember him from 6th grade at Ernest Ward High School back in the day. Greg gave it everything he had to be the BEST he could be. He was definitely an overachiever and it showed!
You will be missed you were always a very outstanding person and gave 100 when we played together at north view I’ve told many of stories about you you would always ring someone’s bell trying to score I hate you gone I guess god needed angels like you to help him you’ll be missed but you have a inspiration on my life always
Such sad news. Praying for his family.
Bless his soul Father, keep his family in your care…
This is truly sad news. Will be praying for his family. Nice picture of the young player with his arm around his teammate.
Big prayers for this young mans family and family of friends…just from the comments above this world was a better place by having Greg in it.
We are so sorry for this loss. God is able to comfort.
Rest In Peace Greg.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Praying for the family and friends and all who knew Greg.
He will always be remembered for loving the kids like he did his own. Just heart breaking.