July 23, 2025

Community Honors WWII Veteran T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs

News Summary

The Clinton community has come together to honor WWII veteran T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs, whose remains were recently identified and returned for a proper burial. Gibbs, a pilot who perished in Germany during the war, will be laid to rest with full military honors. The procession has seen overwhelming support from local residents, showcasing their respect and gratitude for his service. As preparations for his funeral continue, the community reflects on the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of honoring their legacy.

Clinton Community Honors Return of WWII Veteran T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs

T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs, a veteran of World War II, was brought home for burial in Clinton after being missing for decades. Gibbs’s remains were identified through DNA submitted by his family to Ancestry.com, paving the way for his long-awaited return. He is set to be laid to rest on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Pinelawn Memory Gardens with full military honors.

Gibbs, born in the 1920s, joined the U.S. Army in February 1943. His service was marked by bravery as he became a pilot during the war. In 1944, his plane was shot down over Germany. Although he survived the initial crash, Gibbs was later killed in Kamp-Bornhofen, leading to a decades-long period during which his fate remained uncertain.

On Friday afternoon, July 21, 2025, Gibbs’s remains returned to Greenville, where a solemn ceremony took place at GSP Airport. His casket, draped in an American flag, was received amidst a crowd of hundreds of supporters who saluted and honored his sacrifice. The procession to Clinton saw the sides of I-385 lined with American flags and families holding signs, illustrating the community’s respect for the veteran.

Currently, Gibbs’s remains are placed at Gray Funeral Home in Clinton while preparations for the funeral continue. The ceremony set for July 26 will honor Gibbs’s service and sacrifice with the full military honors he deserves. A dignified Patriot Guard motorcycle escort will accompany the funeral procession, underlining the community’s profound respect and reverence for the veteran’s contributions.

Cindy Sanders, representing Gibbs’s family, expressed gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support during this time. She commended the local first responders, veterans, law enforcement, and community members who stood in honor of Gibbs. Sanders emphasized the vital role of patriotism and kindness in community interactions and highlighted the significant outpouring of support from both familiar faces and strangers alike.

The return of T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs is not just a significant event for his family but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Armed Forces. His burial will be a moment of closure for many and a time for the community to reflect on the importance of honoring those who fought for their country. The upcoming funeral promises to be a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service and bravery.

The community’s response throughout this process has illustrated the collective spirit of remembrance and respect for veterans, reaffirming the bond of patriotism that ties communities together. T.S. Clarence E. Gibbs’s journey home honors not only his life but also the enduring legacy of all veterans who served.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

World Says Goodbye to Beloved WWII Veteran
U.S. Airman Clarence E. Gibbs Returns Home After Eight Decades
Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Gibbs Returns Home for Burial
World War II Airman Returns Home for Burial
Identification of WWII Veteran’s Remains Brings Closure

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.