Charles “Chuck” Llewellyn Gibson II

January 2, 1948 - October 10, 2022

Memorial Gifts & Donations

Charles “Chuck” Llewellyn Gibson II, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022, following a brief illness. He was 74.

A lifelong resident of Norfolk, Chuck was born in Leigh Memorial Hospital on January 2, 1948 to parents Charles E. Gibson and Lora Allegra Gibson. He grew up in Norfolk, where as a boy scout he earned his Eagle Scout credential in 1965. He graduated from Maury High School in 1966. After secondary school, Chuck served with distinction in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the Army’s 229th Aviation Battalion, earning a United States Armed Forces Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone.

Following his successful military service and Honorable Discharge, Chuck returned to life in Norfolk and studied Biology at Old Dominion University, where he was surrounded by a group of fellow students who would become lifelong friends. He was an active member of the Biology Club and a mentor to many younger undergraduates, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1977.

He embarked on a career utilizing both his photography skills and his scientific knowledge, working as a Quality Control Supervisor and LAN Administrator for Lifetouch Photography. In his long career with Lifetouch, he was instrumental in transitioning the company from using film to digital photography.

Chuck met the most important person in his life, his beloved wife Diane in 1979. They were married in 1982 and bought a house that would become their family homestead in Colonial Place. Chuck and Diane surrounded those around them with love and laughter, hosting many large gatherings at their home over the years. Their most important gathering was the annual oyster roast held in celebration of their anniversary and love each year. Friends traveled from far and wide to come together in all manner of February weather each year to celebrate Chuck and Diane.

In 1986, Chuck and Diane became the proud parents of daughter Allegra, and were blessed with daughter Leah soon afterward, in 1990. Chuck was a devoted and involved father, passing along his love of the outdoors, cooking, gardening, and NPR to his daughters.

A man of many talents, Chuck was an accomplished woodworker, a Master Gardener, an acclaimed nature and portrait photographer, an ornithologist (he participated in 46 years of Audubon Christmas Bird Counts), and a gourmet cook. He enjoyed volunteering with organizations that supported his love of the outdoors, including the Master Gardeners of Norfolk and the Lafayette Wetlands Partnership.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Diane, his daughters Allegra and Leah (Evelyn), his grandson Sullivan, his brother, Bruce, and countless extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Charles E. Gibson  and Lora Allegra Gibson.

A memorial service will be held at Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary in Norfolk on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 10am. Please dress comfortably in honor of Chuck and the natural location of the ceremony. A celebration of life oyster roast will follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WHRO local public media or WHRV NPR station in his name.

Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater is assisting his family. Online condolences may be expressed at CandFServices.com.

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John Stewart
1 year ago

I am a friend of Allegra’s, and it has been touching to see how much she cares for her dad. Your family is very lucky to have had such a wonderful man in your lives – I wish I would have had the opportunity to have met him – among other things I heard he was a passionate birder!!

Linda Vanhorn
1 year ago

By st Cy

John Saunders
1 year ago

There are so many memories; anniversary oyster roast, Christmas Eve Brunches, parties at 480 W Ocean View Ave. to name a few. Chuck and Diane would always come to my parties with his famous smoked salmon. He quickly learned that one salmon was not enough as it always disappeared quickly. So he began bringing two, one for the table and one for my private stash later. Norfolk will be a better city for years to come because of Chuck’s passion for the environment. Family and friends will remember his talent for woodworking. My prayers go out to Diane, Allegra, Leah… Read more »

Peggy Ruegsegger
1 year ago

Diane and family, may you be lifted up by family and friends, comforted by memories, and the Holy Spirit heal your grieving heart. My deepest sorrow for your loss.

Cary McRae Petzinger
1 year ago

Diane I am so very sorry for your loss. Peace and love to you and your family.

Wendy Longacre
1 year ago

I worked with Chuck at Lifetouch. I was not local to his lab but flew in from time to time to help with issues. On one visit, he smoked an amazing salmon that we ate throughout the day with crackers and mustard. It was delicious and I never see salmon that I do not think of him. My condolences to his wife and daughters – whom he lived and spoke about often.

Memorial Service

October 15, 2022
10:00 am

Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary
1501 Armistead Bridge Rd
Norfolk, VA 23507
Directions


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