R. V. Gipson passed away October 21, 2013 after a lengthy illness and a courageous fight. R.V. was born in Abilene, Texas on March 9, 1935 to Frank D. and Ruby Gipson. He married Mary Sue Watson on November 5, 1954. He worked as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement in 1997. He is survived by his wife Mary Sue, children Karen Davis and husband Chuck of Aledo, Texas, Ron Gipson, Abilene, Texas, Glenda Hanshew, Abilene, Texas, Tommy Gipson and wife Shana of Midland, Texas, Melinda Ditmore, Abilene, Texas, Jo Gipson, Abilene, Texas; Grandchildren Ashleigh and Chase Hanshew, Miranda and Courtney Ditmore, Tiffani and Wesley Gipson and five great-grandchildren, Kayson, Karson, Madalyn, Sydney and Sadie and many nieces and nephews. R.V. was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers L.T. and O.C., and his sisters Doris and Jessie and son-in-law Jimmy Hanshew. Services will be Wednesday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m., North's Funeral Home, Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be preceding the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either: The MDS Foundation, 4573 S. Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 mds-foundation.org or the National Kidney Foundation SERVING TEXAS DIVISION OFFICE, 5429 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, Texas, 75240-2617, http://nkft.ort/