Loyd "Mickey" Gibson, born December 2, 1942, in Exeter, VA, passed away on October 6, 2024, at St. Joe Hospital. He was the beloved son of Virginia and Berman Gibson and is survived by his devoted wife, Lavonne M. Gibson.
Mickey was a remarkable athlete whose basketball career began in high school. In 1958, as an 8th grader, he was the 6th man on the Carr Creck High School Varsity Basketball Team. By 9th grade, he was starting as a forward, averaging 13 points per game. His talent blossomed in 10th grade when he averaged 19 points per game, achieving a single-game high of 50 points, breaking the record held by King Kelly Coleman. He continued to excel, averaging 25 points and 16 rebounds per game as a junior at Hazard High, where he made 1st Team All State.
In 1962, Mickey graduated from Hazard High, averaging 21 points per game and earning a spot on the Kentucky All Star Team. He signed with the University of Kentucky after Couch Adolph Rupp personally observed him play. Mickey led the UK Freshman team in scoring, averaging 23.1 points per game and breaking multiple records.
After leaving UK at the end of his sophomore year in 1964, Mickey returned to college at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 1968. He set numerous records that remain unbroken, including most points in a game (44) and best scoring average (23.3 points per game). He was named NAIA All District 6 in 1968/1969 and 1969/1970 and received Honorable Mention as an All-American in 1969/1970. Mickey was inducted into the University of North Carolina Asheville Athletic Hall of Fame on February 15, 2007, and is remembered as one of the Bulldogs' all-time greats.
After retiring from the Arthur J Gallagher Company in April 2004, Mickey dedicated his time to coaching, serving as a volunteer Assistant Coach for the Breathitt County Ladycats Basketball Team starting in January 2007.
Mickey is survived by his four children: Melissa Gibson of Lexington, KY, Traci Taylor of Lawrenceburg, KY, Michael Gibson of Lexington, KY, and Branden Gibson of Winchester, KY. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Rebecca (Chris) Piersall, Candice Hollon, Linda Gibson, Lauren (Conner) Hurst, Michael Simmons, Mikaya Taylor, Roman Gibson, and Ayva Gibson, as well as six great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Cecil Gibson of Lexington, KY, and Loretta Smith of Elk Park, NC. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathic Stewart.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with services to follow at 1:00 PM. The service will be officiated by John Bunn and Doug Finley. Mickey Gibson will be remembered not only for his athletic achievements but also for his dedication to family, coaching, and the community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who know and loved him.
