Arthur "Candyman' Gibson

Arthur “Candyman” “Otis” Gibson, a beloved pioneer of the DJ community and proud Vietnam veteran, passed away in a hospice facility on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born on December 18, 1950, in Fort Valley, Georgia, Arthur grew up surrounded by family, music, rhythm, and resilience. At 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War. Though he rarely spoke of his time overseas, those closest to him knew the depth of his courage and the quiet strength he carried home. He received his formal education at Henry Alexander Hunt High School in Fort Valley, Georgia and entered the military afterwards. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where he was baptized on August 24, 2003. He retired as a Civil Servant from Robins Air Force Base.

After returning from war and throughout his career, he found healing and purpose in music and family. Immersing himself in the rising disc jockey scene of the 1970s, he became affectionately known as “Candyman”. He electrified dance floors from Three Flags to the Brown Derby to Sugar Hill and Vineville Day Celebrations. He also left his legacy as a DJ in his son - DJ Tremayne, grandson – DJ WHO, and nephew, DJ Roy Smooth.

Candyman’s greatest joys came from giving—whether through music, a home-cooked meal, or quiet, heartfelt advice. He deeply loved his family and showed it in everyday ways and would not let a day go by without making someone feel special. He also shared that love with his community and encouraged others to carry themselves with pride and purpose. Whether behind the turntables, in his kitchen, or out in the community, Candyman brought warmth, wisdom, and soul to every space he touched.

Candyman was the ninth child of Dolphus “Buddy” Gibson and Ida Wilder Gibson. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and three sisters: Johnny L Gibson, Robert L. Gibson, Clifford “Bo Peep” Gibson, Roy Gibson, Lillie Mae (James) Howard, Arlean “Sister Girl” (Ernest “Jit”) Woodson, and Herline Gibson; one son, Bobby Martin; nephews: Daniel Woodson, Robert Howard, and John Lee Howard; niece, Latrina Howard.

He is survived by his two sons: Darius (Andrea) Gibson and Tremayne (Corinne) Gibson; three daughters: Tonya (Terry) Ages, Jazman (Alan) Reviere, Lashonda Hiley; brother, Loyd Gibson; sister, Ida Mae (Abraham) Warren; a devoted cousin, Johnny Wilder; eleven grandchildren: Darion Gibson, Tremiya Gibson, Tremayne “TJ” Gibson, Jr., Terell Ages, Taron Ages, Autumn Ages, Tyler Martin, Endia Martin, Mikaylah Dodd, Mariah Ervin, Cameron Dodd, Desmond Latimore, Andrew Mathis, Payton Mathis; step grandchildren: Arianna (Shamar) Murray, Khaia Gibson, Shianne Gibson and Legacy Gibson; great granddaughter, Nereid Gibson and step great grandson, Judah Williams; nieces and nephews: Victoria “Dianne” Neal, Felicia Gibson, Wilbur Searcy, Kimberly Searcy, Teresa Gibson, Darlene Woodson, Roy Lee Woodson, Earnest Woodson, James Howard, Jr., Loraine (Henry) Preston, Carl (Lisa) Perry, Flavia Ann Perry; great nieces and nephews: Te-Anna Gibson, Tory Preston, Shevon Preston, Carmen Neal, Victor Neal, Kion Robinson, Kapus Ezell, Jasmine Ragin, Roy M. Woodson, Ashley Woodson, Kenya Woodson, Octavia Woodson, William Howard, Jerell Howard, Sophia Smith, Nicole Jenkins, Caitlin Perimeter, Onesha Howard, Regina Howard, Barbara Gibson, Tracy Howard, Cortez Howard, Alicia Ezell, Alexis Perry, Joshua Perry, Brittany Perry; devoted friend, Mose Gibson; and a host of many, loving family members.

Candyman was more than a beloved hometown hero of Fort Valley, Georgia—he was a pillar of his community and family. From the DJ booth where he ignited dance floors, to his service in Vietnam, and then his enduring dedication as a proud father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather. He lived a life marked by love, loyalty, and legacy. His stories, his music, and his unwavering spirit will continue to echo in every life he touched. Though he has departed this life, his memory remains alive—in the music he played, the values he passed down, and the lives he shaped. May his soul rest in peace, and may his life serve as a shining example to those who follow.