Harry Sanders Gibson

Harry Sanders “Sandy” Gibson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on March 24, 1952, in Allendale, South Carolina, Sandy was known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

A proud member of The Citadel Class of 1974, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and formed lifelong bonds with his Citadel brothers. Their stories — often shared with a laugh and a wink — were part of his signature charm. Each fall, Sandy could be found at home Citadel football games or a local oyster roast, always ready to cheer, socialize, and shuck.

For many years, Sandy was the heart of the Wampee Conference Center at Santee Cooper. More than a manager, he was a host, creating an environment where staff and guests alike felt welcome, ideas flowed, and colleagues became friends. Fair when it mattered, creative in his solutions, and always ready with a story, Sandy led with warmth and vision.

He shared a deep love with his wife of 46 years, Karen Brabham Gibson, and treasured time with his daughter, Hazel Sanders Gibson Leaphart, and her husband, Ryan. To his grandchildren — Gibson Edward, Lightsey Castles, and Monroe Sellers Leaphart — “Big Daddy” was a storyteller, cheerleader, and partner-in-adventure, always ready with a mischievous grin. Sandy was preceded in death by his parents Francis E (Tubby) Gibson Jr & his Mother Hazel Sanders Gibson.

Some of his happiest days were spent in Bluffton, SC, with extended family and cousins, including Walter Sanders, Charlie Young, Callie Sugg and Tommy Harter. Summers meant boating to Daufuskie and hidden sandbars, rocking on cottage porches, oyster roasts under the stars, and swapping family stories. His brother, Francis (Frank) Ewing Gibson, shared in these traditions, along with a love for boating, The Citadel, and the camaraderie of game day.

Sandy’s faith was central to his life, and he attended Trinity Anglican Church. He was active in the Citadel Alumni Association, Lions Club, Relay for Life, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Around Pinopolis, he was known for cruising his convertible Corvette — waving to every passerby with a grin that made it impossible not to wave back.

Sandy lived life fully and on his own terms. The stories he told, the friendships he forged, and the traditions he kept will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a Celebration of Life, Saturday, August 16, 2025, beginning at 12 noon, at Somerset Point, 2213 Pinopolis Rd., Pinopolis, S.C. 29469. A reception will follow immediately after the service. Attire is business casual.

Memorials may be made to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, S.C. 29409; Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.