William was raised on the family farm and worked in the family general store in Jerome. He attended Dermott schools and graduated from Montrose Academy. He subsequently graduated from UALR and pursued his masters at New York University, where he made his home and established his career.
He was assistant and colleague to the New York City theatre photographer Martha Swope for more than 20 years. His photographs have appeared in The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune and in several books about New York theatre.
In the 1990's, William Gibson was a notable "downtown performance artist" in New York, where he originated works by David Sedaris, among others, as well as his own original productions.
While still at UALR, William interned with Diana Vreeland at The Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute and, later, at the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design and the Guggenheim Museum, New York and Venice.
He was a longtime volunteer for The Actor's Fund as well as an early and dedicated member of ACTUP. He was 24-year survivor of HIV disease and contributed to several critical studies in the field.
William Gibson is survived by his partner Jeffrey Scott Jaech of New York City. He is also survived by his siblings: Margaret Ann Gibson Niven, Dermott, AR; Charles Clifford Gibson III, Monticello, AR; Helen Marie Gibson Burks, Vicksburg, MS; and John Robert Gibson, New York City. He was the uncle of J.R. Burks, Joy Sills and Chad Gibson. He is also survived by a large family of friends in Arkansas New York and Europe.
Condolences(3)
Deana Hulett Tillberg
Albuquerque, NM Friday, November 16, 2012 My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of William.Bobby Ellis Gilliam
Shreveport, LA Thursday, November 15, 2012 I am Older but lived in Jerome before wish totell the families Our prayers are for the especially CCGibson 111 who knows about my years at Jerome
too. Sad but Bless you all.
BHobby Ellis Gilliam
Ronny & Brenda Reed
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 Our prayers for your family for peace and comfort.