Laurence “Larry” V. Gibney Jr., 81, died June 30 in Erwin.
Mr. Gibney was born and spent his life in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1960. He completed undergraduate studies at St Bernard College in Cullman, Ala., and earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.
He served Knox County Juvenile Court for 40 years, retiring as court director in 2011.
Mr. Gibney was an avid reader and historian. He authored The Church on Summit Hill, a history of the Catholic Church in Knoxville and East Tennessee. He spent countless hours compiling the genealogy of the Gibney, McGuire, and Shanks families.
Mr. Gibney was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church and also attended St. Albert the Great Church.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret (Shanks); sons Jim (Julie Najita) and Joe (Patty); and daughter Elizabeth (Dean Howell); grandchildren Carter, Emma, Will, Tim, and Mary Margaret; brother Tom (Merrily); sister Katherine; and several loved nieces and nephews. Mr. Gibney was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine McGuire Gibney, father, Laurence V. Gibney Sr., and grandparents Thomas and Katherine McGuire and Terrence and Laura Gibney.
Mr. Gibney was interred July 6 in Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville, with Father Jim Haley, CSP, presiding at the graveside service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ladies of Charity, 120 W. Baxter Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917.
