Howard L. Gibbs ("Buttermilk," "Shotgun," "Mouth"), 78, loving father, grandpa and friend to many, died Nov. 20 at Emory Eastside Medical Center. The son of the late John C. and Nellie Pace Gibbs, he was born and spent his youth and early adult years in Decatur on Rainbow Drive, moving later with his family and raising his children in Lithonia. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service in Decatur after 30 years of service and had also been a milkman for Mathis Dairy, an auctioneer and a farmer. Mr. Gibbs loved talking to people and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his wife Marion Lee Gibbs of Hernando, Miss.

Surviving are his former wife of 30 years Janelle Guthrie Gibbs; daughters and sons-in-law Lynn Gibbs of Oxford, Joy and Allen Cole of Loganville, Dawn and Michael Berkhan of Loganville; son Marty Gibbs of Oxford; grandchildren Ryan Hurkmans, Hannah Berkhan, Haley Hurkmans, Cody Berkhan; step-children Debbie Brown, Lisa Williams, Paul Lee, Mark Lee; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Gibbs will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 23, in the Access Road chapel of Caldwell & Cowan with interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park.