Richard Arvil Gibbs

Richard “Ace” Arvil Gibbs III

Richard "Ace" Arvil Gibbs III, 94 of Charlottesville, Virginia peacefully passed away in

his sleep on March 24 2025 in his home surrounded by love and family. He was born

March 7th, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ace joined the United States Air Force at its beginning in 1947 and retired after 20 years

of faithful service. He served in the Korean War where he was a crew member of a

bomber and flew 52 missions. He also served in the Vietnam war with a unit of the U.S.

Special Forces as an instructor and advisor to the VietNam Air force. He earned many

decorations, medals and commendations during his span of military service. He was

awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Purple Heart to name a few.

After serving his country, he began his second career serving 20 years as a police

officer for the University of Virginia.

He was involved in the Masonic fraternity for over 57 years and was a Master Mason

and 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite in both Highland California Lodge #748 and with

King Solomon Lodge #194 in Crozet,Va.

In his spare time, he loved to work on and restore cars and motorcycles. He could drive

or fix anything with wheels. One of his motorcycle projects, a candy apple red Triumph

Bonneville was even bought by Coca Cola in the 1960’s.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Odie Wells Batten Gibbs, and a son

Richard A. “Rocky” Gibbs IV, his parents Oliver Gibbs and Clara Gibbs (nee Lientz) of

Rising Sun and Vevay, Indiana.

He fiercely loved his family and is survived by his two daughters, Rhonda Quillon of

Charlottesville and Cheri Kerr of Barboursville. Three grandchildren, Michael Quillon of

Charlottesville, Keven Quillon of New York, New York and Camryn Kerr of Barboursville.

Two Great-grandchildren, Rikki Nash and her husband Darius of Ruckersville and

Allyson Washington and her husband Tyler of Charlottesville. Three Great

Great-grandchildren, Casey Nash, Kyler Nash, and Nina Washington.

A private graveside service with full military honors and Masonic Rites was held

March 28, 2025 for the family at Holly Memorial Gardens, 3251 Seminole Trail,

Charlottesville, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in “Ace’s” honor to the

SPCA of Charlottesville, 3355 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, Va 22901 or to any

animal shelter of choice