Mr. Matthew Larry Gibbs, age 46, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Matt was born on June 10, 1980, in Hall County, Georgia. He grew up in Gilmer County and was a graduate of Gilmer High School, Class of 1998. Matt made his home in the community he loved, where he was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

To know Matt was to know someone who genuinely loved people. He had a way of making friends wherever he went, and people naturally enjoyed being around him. He was a good friend to many and was always himself, no matter where he was or who he was with. Matt enjoyed talking with people, sharing a laugh, and simply spending time with those around him. The friendships he made throughout his life meant a great deal to him, and he will be remembered by many as a loyal friend with a big heart.

Matt was happiest outdoors. He loved fishing and enjoyed the simple things that came with country and farm life. Whether he was around equipment, working on the farm, spending time outside, or casting a line in the water, Matt enjoyed being outdoors and staying busy. He was not someone who was afraid of getting his hands dirty or putting in a long day's work.

Hard work was simply a part of who Matt was. He loved to work and was always working at something. He spent much of his working life operating heavy equipment, a job that suited his hardworking nature and his enjoyment of being outdoors. Most recently, Matt worked at B.J. Reece Orchards, where he truly loved his job. He took great pride in the work he did and was always thankful for the opportunity to work. Matt did not take his job for granted; he appreciated it and was grateful for the people he worked alongside. His strong work ethic and willingness to work hard were qualities that those who knew him will long remember.

Matt is preceded in death by his father, Larry Gene Gibbs. 

Survivors include his mother, Karen Gibbs Holbrooks (Carroll); children, Bryson Joshua Shubin-Gibbs and Gina Bosley (J.T.); sister, Penny Griggs (Greg); nephew, Jonas Griggs; niece, Ashtyn Griggs; and several extended family members and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. John Reece officiating. Prayer at the funeral home by Rev. Josh Jones. Music will be provided by the church choir. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Josh Jones. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Branson Chastain, Brent Chastain, Lee Parks, Mason Hadden, Will Minick, Buster Stover, Heath Stover, and Johnathan Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be Ruel Southern, James Southern, Michael Dyer, Levi Cantrell, and Todd Reece.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Branson Chastain, 84 River Ridge, Ellijay, GA 30536, in memory of Matthew Gibbs.

The family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.