Welcome Home, Hero: Community Invited to Honor T/Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs on Friday
July 16, 2025
WWII Airman Finally Coming Home After 81 Years — Graveside Service Set for July 26
After more than eight decades listed as Missing in Action, Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs is finally coming home to Laurens County. This Friday offers a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together, wave flags, and pay final respects as he is escorted home.
In late 1944, 21-year-old U.S. Army Air Force Tech Sergeant Clarence Gibbs was on board a B-17 Flying Fortress for a bombing mission when it was hit by heavy antiaircraft fire. All nine crew members were forced to bail out. Five were captured and taken as POWs, one was found deceased at the crash site, and three others — including Gibbs — were unaccounted for and considered MIA. Through the perseverance and diligence of his family, his remains have now been found and are being returned home.
After 81 years, it will be an honor and privilege for the Patriot Guard Riders and the American Legion Riders Chapter 25, both local groups, to participate in escorting our hero on his final mission home with honor. They are among many groups from across the Upstate joining together to ensure T/Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs receives the respect and tribute he has long deserved.
“This is what it’s all about — making sure no one who served is ever forgotten,” said American Legion Post 25 Commander Kevin Farnsworth. “It’s a privilege to help bring this hero home to Laurens County and show his family and our community that his sacrifice will always be remembered.”
Community Invited to Line the Route — July 18, 2025
T/Sgt. Gibbs will arrive at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport on Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM and will be escorted to Gray Funeral Home of Clinton. Patriot Guard Riders, joined by American Legion Riders Chapter 25, will lead the escort along with Law Enforcement down I-385. The public is encouraged to line the roadsides and bridges along the route to show respect and support for this American hero as he is brought home. Gather your flags and your family and help us welcome him with honor.
The escort route will proceed from GSP down I-85, to I-385 into Laurens County, then through Clinton on Hwy 56 to Gray Funeral Home.
This is a solemn and rare moment for our community — a chance to welcome home one of our own and recognize the ultimate price he paid for our freedom.
Final Resting Place — July 26, 2025
T/Sgt. Gibbs will remain at Gray Funeral Home of Clinton until Saturday, July 26, 2025, when he will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at Pinelawn Memory Gardens. The graveside service will begin at 11:00 AM and is open to all who wish to attend. Family, friends, veterans, and members of the public are invited to gather in a final tribute to this WWII airman.
A Final Salute
Let’s stand together in gratitude and remembrance. Let us come together to offer a hero’s welcome and a final farewell to T/Sgt. Clarence E. Gibbs. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
After 81 years, he is home.
