Obituary - William E. Gibson
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William E. “Bill” Gibson, known to many as “Santa Claus,” a 64-year-old resident of Varina, VA, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 24, 2025, with his wife, Audrey, by his side. After a courageous six-year battle with cancer, Bill left us to be with the Lord.
Bill was born on March 21, 1961, to Thomas E. and Ethel W. Gibson in Varina, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Louise “Nanny” Richardson.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Audrey Gibson; their two children, Amanda (Matt) and Tatanka (Kerri); five grandsons, Ayôp, Ope, Pharoah, Ezra, and Quetzal; his brother, Col. Keith Gibson (Patricia); uncle, Wayne Chenault (Sue); sister-in-law, Faye Smith (Mac); brother-in-law, Pernell Richardson (Susan); nieces, Jaime (Joe), Crystal (Jason), and Kirkland (Michael); nephews, Eric (Jocelyn), Philip, Alan (Melissa), G.M., and Will (Morgan); his “Mrs. Claus,” Lynn; his fur baby, Nala; as well as countless extended family members and friends.
Bill was a member of the Varina Blue Devils class of 1979 where he played football and threw the shot put and discus. He has been a member of the Battlefield Park Lions Club since 1984, a member of the Richmond East Moose Lodge, and the A.B.U Sensory Santa Claus. Bill met his beloved wife Diane in 1980 at Safe Way Supermarket on Laburnum Avenue where Bill had his hands in just about everything after Diane’s mom made the introduction. From that point on they began writing their story together.
Bill was an avid family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He was quick with a joke and always the life of the gathering. A kid at heart, he loved having a good time and making people laugh.
Bill was known far and wide for his greatest passion: being Santa Claus. It didn’t matter the time or place—Santa was always present. He could be in the middle of a conversation about anything unrelated to Christmas, and a child would spot him from across the room and say, “Hi Santa!” In an instant, Bill would transform from Bill to Santa. He always made time for every child and never turned away from anyone who wanted a picture or to share their Christmas wishes. Seeing it in person was truly magical—the pure magic of Christmas.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Eddie S. for always being there and keeping a watchful eye over Santa. Your friendship is something that he cherished and will not be forgotten. They would also like to thank Duke University and Virginia Cancer Center for standing beside Bill in his fight and providing the best care possible.
Bill is finally back to feeling like his true self, making people smile and laugh with his gifts. The past six years were a difficult fight, but he kept pushing and never gave up. No matter what the doctors said, he was determined to do things “my way.”
The family will receive visitors at Bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville, VA, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. A reception to follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army Angel Program to carry on Bill’s mission of spreading joy and Christmas cheer to children far and wide.
