Obituary of David Bruce Bibb

RALEIGH - David Bruce Bibb, 53, of Raleigh NC, died Saturday Sept. 17, 2011. David was born to Barbara Nettles-Carlson and the late T. Wyatt Bibb Jr. on January 7, 1958, in Pensacola, FL. He was raised in Chapel Hill, graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1976 and attended UNC-Chapel Hill where he was active in its initial gay student organization. David was kind, creative and an extremely generous person. When he was with others, he brought smiles to their faces. He was mischievous and fun loving. The twinkle in his eye let you know he was up to something. Good-natured pranks and a sly sense of humor were trademarks of David. Throughout his life he found fun and silly ways to entertain with a smile and a laugh. The warm home and gardens David designed are a small indication of the beauty in his mind, expressed through his heart. He loved to sing and play the piano and to share these talents with others. David owned Distinctive Aquariums from 1980 through 1985. He provided bookkeeping support for Raleigh Consulting Group for many years. His proudest achievement was creating Points of View Photography Gallery, which he owned for the last seven years. It was important to David to highlight the value of photography, and his tireless efforts did much to bring this medium to the forefront of the local art scene. Running his gallery and being surrounded by art and creative people were among the brightest spots in his life. David was also employed by the NC Chapter of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and volunteered with the Orange County chapter. He was a member of the Oak Run Townhome Association, the Alliance for Gay and Lesbian Health Task Force, and active in many local arts organizations. David's bipolar disorder was too much for him to keep in balance with his joyful side. He lived a whole life, yet one shadowed by a disease that he couldn't escape. His laughter, warm heart and love of all things beautiful are what will be remembered. David is survived by his mother, Barbara Nettles-Carlson, stepfather Curtis McLaughlin, brother Wyatt Bibb, sister Viki Bibb Lee (Roddy), nieces Kristin Lee Bermudez (Eduardo) and Chelsea Lee Smith (Zafar) and their children, aunts Vicky Nettles Eby and Margaret Nettles O'Reilly, numerous cousins, and his former partner of nearly three decades, George Alwon. He was predeceased by his brother, Alan Curtis Bibb. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to NAMI-NC, 309 W. Millbrook Rd., Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27609 or Equality NC, P.O. Box 28768, Raleigh, NC 27611. There will be a graveside family service in Chapel Hill on Sept. 24. All are welcome to honor David at an open house on Sept. 24, 4:00 pm at the home of George Alwon. 4812 Rembert Dr. Raleigh NC. A Memorial Service is planned for 2 p.m., Sunday, October 16 at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill - 919-942-3861 - is assisting the Bibb family.