Vernie Legrand Gaskins

Vernie Legrand Gaskins, 94, of Bonneau, widower of Ruth “Tootsie” Clark Gaskins of 58 loving years, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Legrand was born January 11, 1928, in Berkeley County, the first child of nine, to Bessie Wyndham Gaskins and Larry Lee Gaskins.

Mr. Gaskins served his country in the Army during WWII. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked at Jones Lumber in Moncks Corner, and later retired from Albany Felt in St. Stephen after 30 years as a security guard. Legrand was a dedicated member of Oak Grove PH Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon for 28 years. “Papa”, as he was affectionately called by his grand and great-grandchildren, savored his trips to the mountains with family, where he enjoyed the splendor of God’s creation. Legrand equally loved his time in the garden and enjoyed sharing the harvest with the local community elders. Time spent with his family is truly what he valued the most.

He was preceded in death by his brother- Webber James “WJ” Gaskins, and sisters- Lila Bobo, Belma Price, Alfrieda Maddock. He is survived by two daughters- Kathy Ackerman and Belinda  Bradley (Robert) of Bonneau, SC; three grandchildren- Brian Ackerman of Bonneau, SC; Tiffany Ackerman Thompson (Michael) of Hanahan, SC; and Jennifer Bradley of Bonneau, SC; two great-grandchildren- Jaden Bradley & Alexa Ackerman of Bonneau, SC; a brother- Alton Gaskins of Bonneau, SC; three sisters- Joann Gist of Oklahoma City, OK; Sylvia Allen (Jim) of Johnson City, TN; Jeanette “Jan” Ramirez of Indigo, CA.

His funeral service will be held at Oak Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church, Thursday afternoon, December 22, 2022, at 12 o'clock. Interment will follow in the church cemetery directed by RUSSELL FUNERAL CHAPEL. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 o'clock until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Oak Grove PH Church Parsonage Fund- 2346 N Highway 17A, Bonneau, SC 29431.