Frank Michael "Mike" McGibbony, 84, passed away on June 25, 2024, in Hot Springs, Ark. He was born on February 21, 1940, in Magnolia, Ark., and moved to Little Rock in 1945 when his dad, an Arkansas State Policeman, was transferred to the ASP HQ Unit. He grew up attending Woodruff and Pulaski Heights Junior High, later graduating from Little Rock (Central) High in 1957. He continued his education at Arkansas Tech University, earning a degree in 1961 in physical education. Mike was a remarkable and loving man. He was exceptionally talented in a variety of ways and enjoyed life to the fullest by leading and loving his family. He loved to play the guitar and was particularly good at writing songs, and performed at the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, a top spot for those wanting to start a career in country music. Mike played football at Little Rock High School and was part of the Tiger teams that had one of the longest winning streaks in Arkansas history. He played in college at Arkansas Tech University and enjoyed enormous success there. Later, he was a football official for over 25 years for high school and college games. Mike was a fantastic center and deep snapper while in his playing days. Mike's professional journey began after college as the football coach at Southwest Junior High in Little Rock in 1961. He also coached after that at Little Rock Hall High and Pine Bluff High School. In 1969, Mike pivoted his career to the investment banking sector where he worked in various roles at TJ Raney, AG Edwards, Worthen Bank, and others during and in between those companies. Mike was a great connector, leader, and loved working hard in his career. He never did anything less than 100% of effort and determination. Athletics continued to be a part of Mike's life after officiating football. He was the president of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame from 1998 to 2001. Mike was also inducted as a Distinguished Alumni at Arkansas Tech University. He stayed involved for many years after serving in that role. Later, he would continue to follow football closely by "coaching from the living room" as he watched on Saturdays. Mike was a storyteller, a well-skilled writer, highly organized, fun, and had a remarkable network of friends. He was so proud to be an Arkansan and loved history and reminiscing about experiences of life related to his past, his children, and their children. He loved his children deeply and adored his grandchildren. Mike often spoke of the four "F's" that guided his life, Faith, Family, Friends, and Football, sometimes, not in that order. He had key, influential people in his life that were part of his guidance system, his Dad, Wilson Matthews, Winston Faulkner, Curt Bradbury, Buddy Coleman, and George Edwards. So many other great people genuinely loved him too. There was one incredible person that transformed Mike and her name is Mary Gayle, his wife. Though they met and married later in life, their experience together matched a hundred lifetimes. They loved each other, were best friends, and soulmates. Mike's family refers to Mary Gayle as the Family Angel. She married Mike and he was complete. Mike would write notes to Mary Gayle and leave them throughout the house. The McGibbony family loved the joy they shared together and watching that joy spread to others. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Gayle McGibbony; children, Mike McGibbony (Lisa), Scott McGibbony (Melissa), Todd Burgess (Angie), and Cathy Andrews (Joe); grandchildren, Catherine Lambert (Scott), Michael McGibbony (Brittney), Ethan Lewis, Hannah Lewis, Caroline Harris (Jarod), Will McGibbony, Maddie McGibbony, Elizabeth McGibbony, Emily Andrews, Ellen Andrews, Laura Andrews, Bin Burgess, Lakyn Arensdorf, and Kristin Price; and seven great-grandchildren. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Webb McGibbony and Helen Veasey McGibbony; along with many cousins, aunts, and uncles, with Charles "Dub" McGibbony and Vivian McGibbony having a tremendous influence on his life. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, Ark., or the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame; these were very dear to Mike. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com
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