Retired Chief, Raymond "Big Ray" Martin Kibbey

Retired Chief, Raymond “Big Ray” Martin Kibbey, age 81, of Gulfport, Mississippi, formerly of Falls Church, Virginia, was reunited with his beloved wife of 36 years, Margie Kibbey, in Heaven on September 6, 2025.

Born on February 15, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Raymond M. Kibbey Sr. and Pauline Schaffer, Ray lived a life full of adventure, devoted to his Country and loved working on his cars, especially the Famous “Mavstang”. At just 17, with his mother’s signature, he proudly joined the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Orion (a submarine tender) and USS AFDB-7 (a floating dry dock) in Holy Loch, Scotland, before reenlisting as a Seabee in 1965.

Over the course of his 20-year military career, Ray completed three tours in Vietnam with NMCB-74, and later served in Puerto Rico, Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and Gulfport, Mississippi. He retired from the Navy in 1982, continuing a life of service as a mechanic and later at South Mississippi Regional Center, where he poured his heart into helping those with special needs for more than two decades.

Ray was an avid fisherman, a skilled mechanic, and a man who found joy in volunteering, storytelling, and most of all, spending time with his family. Known for his humor and wisdom, he often shared his “Triple L’s”—Life Learning Lessons—reminding those around him to learn from every step of their journey.

He leaves behind three children who were his pride and joy: Sherrie Dawn Meadows (Darin), Robert Kibbey (Jessica), and Pauline Kibbey. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Chris “CJ” (Krystyna), Cody (Christian), Angelina, Robby, Maggie, and Brianna and his great-grandchildren: Hayden, Lincoln, Drew, and Alivia.

To his children, grandchildren, and many friends, Ray’s legacy is one of love, laughter, service, and deep gratitude. As he once wrote: “During my lifetime many people have walked in and out of my life. But only true friends and family have left footprints in my heart. Thank you all so very much. 143.”

Ray was deeply proud to be an American, to have served his country, and to have helped others find their “true course in life.” He will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend whose impact will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held on October 24th at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Raymond “Big Ray” Martin Kibbey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Humaine Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.