FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Colby Ryan Gibson,

39, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passed away Friday, February 3, 2023. Colby was born on January 6, 1984 in Fort Smith, Ark. He graduated from Rogers High School in 2002 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. Colby spent the majority of his professional career focusing on Transportation Logistics in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Lauderdale.

Colby was an accomplished musician and loved to sing and play multiple instruments, including acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, and harmonica. As an avid fisherman and outdoor lover, he enjoyed redfish fishing in Louisiana, deep sea fishing in Destin, and fishing near his residence in Fort Lauderdale. He also cherished many hours fishing on his Mama Kay and Daddy Sam’s farm in Dayton, Ark.

Colby found joy in skiing the mountains of Colorado, skydiving, attending sporting events, and working out at the gym. In his 30s, he learned to quilt, a hobby loved and taught by his grandmothers. He completed several quilts to share with friends and family, proudly submitting his work in competitions.

Colby lit up every room he entered, gave the biggest hugs, and never failed to say, “I love you.” We will miss his contagious energy, heartfelt laugh, and ridiculous dance moves.

Colby was preceded in death by his father, Billy Gibson; grandmother, Sonnie Gibson; and grandfathers, RA Leonard and Sam Voss.

He is survived by his mother, Kimberly Vest (Jerry); grandmothers, Kay Voss and Mary Ann Leonard; grandfather, BJ Gibson; sisters, Kressa Schuett (Blake), Alli Vest ( Broderick), and Kelly Wyatt; brother, Will Gibson (Mattie); nieces, Emry and Eastyn Wyatt, Nora Schuett, and RyverLeigh Gibson; nephews, Lee and Hayes Schuett and Huntley and Gunnar Gibson; and devoted partner, Rebecca Brooks.

Visitation with the family will be held at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Ark., on Thursday, February 9 from 5-7 p.m. Colby’s life will further be celebrated in a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Colby’s name to Trinity by Traditions, 2741 NE 24th St., Lighthouse Point, Fla. 33064.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.