Ansley L. Tibbetts

Ansley L. Tibbetts, 95, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas.

Ansley was born on June 1, 1930, in Cayman Brac, British West Indies, to Althea and Kelly H. Tibbetts. He was the oldest of eight children. In pursuit of opportunity, the Tibbetts family left the Cayman Islands, spending time in Jamaica before eventually settling in Port Arthur, Texas.

Ansley was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Tibbetts and all of his siblings except for Donald Tibbetts (wife Carolyn) of Tallahassee, Florida.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949, beginning a life defined by hard work, adventure, and an enduring love for the water. In 1951, Ansley began working at Texaco, where he remained until 1965. He later moved to Panama City, Florida, helping his father build boats before captaining the Bluebeard for fishing charters. His career on the water continued with the several off-shore supply companies, where he ran crew and supply boats supporting offshore drilling operations while living in Louisiana. In the 1980s after a brief stint in Brazil, Ansley started his own fence company, showcasing his skills as a carpenter—an ability he had long mastered before becoming a ship captain. He eventually retired after serving as a tug master captain for the Beaumont Reserve Fleet, a role well suited to his steady hand and deep respect for the sea.

Ansley is survived by his first wife, Ruth Greco Yingling, the mother of his children. He was a devoted father to Frankie Perego (husband Hugh) and Kellie DeMary (husband Randy) and was preceded in death by his daughter Vickie Tibbetts. He was a proud grandfather to David Perego (wife Kim) and Justin DeMary (wife Ashley), and a cherished great-grandfather to Lauryn Perego, David “Dax” Kelly Perego, Jr., Addison DeMary, and Jameson DeMary who all affectionately referred to him as ‘Granddad’.

A man who felt most at home on the water, Ansley loved fishing and spending time on the river and Gulf. Away from work, he also found joy in square dancing with his dance club. He was a faithful member of Bevil Oaks Baptist Church, known for arriving every Sunday in a suit, a reflection of the pride he took in his faith and appearance.

Ansley was unmistakable—larger than life, with a booming voice, a full head of red-turned-white hair, a kind heart and a presence that filled every room. He was rarely seen without a smile, and he leaves behind a legacy not only of hard work and seamanship, but also of the many homes he built and purchased—perhaps more than the rest of the family combined.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care Team, 2390 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703.

A graveside service for Mr. Tibbetts will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Ansley Tibbetts will be remembered for his strength, his laughter, his love of the sea and his family, and the enduring mark he left on everyone who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Care Team and Oakridge Assisted Living for the excellent care and love that they have shown to him over the past years.  He thought of all of you as his extended family.