Duane Camps
Duane Camps was a consistent tournament golfer throughout the 90's and early 00's. Duane will best be remembered for his 1995 Showdown at Little Fishing Creek in Milledgeville with 3-year reigning Open Champion, Jeff Slocum. Duane won the Open Championship that year, taking the title of "Best Golfer in the Tournament". Duane's son Derek, won the Open Championship the next year, and has won the tournament multiple times since. Duane is greatly missed every year.
Jack Gibbs
"The Rising Star"
Jack Gibbs was one of the "Original 8" members of the first Billie Tournament. He was married to Iris, and had 3 kids, Duke, Aaron, and Ashtyn, who all actively participate in the tournament each year. Jack was the best basketball player among the brothers growing up, but always found himself in the middle of the pack on the golf course. Although he never won the coveted Billie Plaque, he thought he had a chance every year, hence the self-appointed nickname, "The Rising Star". Jack did end up the dreaded Louise Cup one year. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, role model and leader in all aspects of life. He was a huge part of the tournament and is greatly missed every year.
"Do What's Right. Be the Best You Can Be. And Treat Others the Way you Want to Be Treated." -Jack Gibbs
Charlie Piddock
Chalie was from Jacksonville and played in the original tournament in 1988 held at Baymeadows Country Club. Charlie took the picture that is on the opening page of the "Billie" website. Charlie was a excellent golfer. Charlie passed away while the tournament was only a few years old.
Robert Rochelle
Robert Rochelle was a faithful attendee to the Billie up until the time of his death in a car accident in 2002. He was a past winner of the low net score for the tournament. He was a loyal and beloved member of the Gibbs and Register team for more than 10 years working himself up from a laborer eventually to the general superintendent for all of G&R’s concrete operations. He was meticulous in his attention to detail and he was adamant that his jobs would be top-quality. He prided himself in “no-punchlist” job closeout meetings with our clients and actually had a few jobs that our inspectors could not find anything to critique. He was so proud when he was able to deliver “no punchlist” and always was quick to remind John Gibbs of this at raise time. He always relished a good argument with John, whether it was on the jobsite or on the golf course. Robert always had a bit of a gruff demeanor but that hid the fact that he was really a teddy bear when it came to the men that reported to him. He would go bat for them and they loved him for that. We miss him.
Butch Rigsby
Butch Rigsby graduated from Ware County High School in 1976 with Jack Gibbs & Jimbo Brogdon. He was a good baseball player and played in some of the earlier tournaments in the 90's starting in Milledgeville and played several times in the 2000's. Butch passed away of cancer in 2005.
Dr. Jeff Slocum
Dr. Jeff Slocum was a dear friend of the Gibbs family until his passing in 2012. Jeff first played in the Billie Tournament in 1991 and was a frequent winner of the Billie Open. The award that carries his namesake was created when all of the originals and friends had a hard time competing for The Open Championship due to the rising young talent. This award was perfectly named for Jeff, who was the consummate competitor and had a fierce passion for the game of golf. Dr. Slocum was a committed husband to Kay, a devoted father to Claire, Jay, Julie, and Katy, and deeply loved all of his grandchildren. The Jeff Slocum award helps carry on his legacy through The Billie’s tradition of family bonding and gamesmanship.
Dr. Jeff Slocum was a dear friend of the Gibbs family until his passing in 2012. Jeff first played in the Billie Tournament in 1991 and was a frequent winner of the Billie Open. The award that carries his namesake was created when all of the originals and friends had a hard time competing for The Open Championship due to the rising young talent. This award was perfectly named for Jeff, who was the consummate competitor and had a fierce passion for the game of golf. Dr. Slocum was a committed husband to Kay, a devoted father to Claire, Jay, Julie, and Katy, and deeply loved all of his grandchildren. The Jeff Slocum award helps carry on his legacy through The Billie’s tradition of family bonding and gamesmanship.
Lonnie Taylor
Lonnie Taylor was the oldest player to play in the tournament. He was an avid golfer well into his 80's. He lived in Macclenny and played golf every week. He told Bill Gibbs many times how much he loved the tournament and how special it seemed to be to all who played in it. Lonnie passed away in 2004.
