Born in Safford, Alabama, Gibson was a private in the United States Army from 1948 to 1950.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in 1955 and a Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law (now the Michigan State University College of Law) in 1960.

[2] On July 12, 1979, Gibson was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan created by 92 Stat.

He served as Chief Judge from 1991 to 1995 and assumed senior status on July 13, 1996.

Gibson continued to serve in that capacity until his retirement from the bench on January 31, 1999.