Governor Henry McMaster has awarded William C. (Billy) Gibson the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. This award recognizes extraordinary lifetime achievements, service, and contributions of statewide or national significance.
Born in Mt. Croghan, Gibson’s remarkable career in public service spans decades. After joining the U.S. Air Force in 1959, Gibson served a four-year term, including an assignment in Anchorage, Alaska, where he met his wife, Phyllis. Following his discharge in 1963, Gibson returned to Mt. Croghan and began a 12-year tenure with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff.
During this time, Gibson graduated from the 93rd session of the FBI National Academy and served on the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) committee, securing federal funding for law enforcement projects. Among his many accomplishments, he obtained a grant covering 90% of the cost to build the Pageland Police Department facility.
In 1976, Gibson became Chief of the Pageland Police Department, a role he held until 1982. Under his leadership, the department was recognized with the Southern Bell Award of Excellence in 1977 as South Carolina’s most outstanding police agency. He briefly served as Director of Public Safety for the Town of Chesterfield before joining the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, where he developed a Field Training program for new recruits.
Gibson also made significant contributions to Chesterfield County, co-founding the Pageland Rescue Squad and Ruby-Mt. Croghan Volunteer Fire Department, as well as founding the Chesterfield County Rural Water System.
Appointed Director of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 1994, Gibson served in that capacity until his retirement in 2000. He also held leadership roles with the FBI National Academy Associates and later developed a Chaplain’s program for the organization, serving as Chaplain for 13 years. In 2017, Gibson was inducted into the inaugural class of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gibson remains active in his community. A life member of Masonic Lodge 314 in Ruby, he is also a member of American Legion Post 174 in Irmo. He and his wife, Phyllis, are dedicated members of Riverland Hills Baptist Church, where Gibson serves as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.
Gibson’s legacy is one of exceptional service, dedication, and leadership—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community and state.
