LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Walter Richard Gaskin, age 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Saturday, February 1, 2025. He was born February 24, 1933, in Kershaw County, a son of the late Henry Boyd Gaskin and the late Bessie Lucille Brannon Gaskin and was the loving husband of the late Barbara Allen Byrd Gaskin. He graduated from Heath Springs High School where he played football ("Blue Devils") and they won the State Championship and he also attended Spartanburg Jr. College. Mr. Gaskin retired from Springs Industries-Bleachery after 37 years as a pipe fitter. He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he was part of the military police while serving in Germany. Mr. Gaskin was also a proud member of Barron Mason Lodge #261. He was an avid fisherman whether it be freshwater or saltwater and loved going to Springmaid Pier at Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks. Clemson football and Atlanta Braves were his favorite teams and he was an avid watcher of all the games. He and Barbara loved to travel, and they were able to see all of the United States. Mr. Gaskin was a very active member of Elgin Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and sang in the choir, along with many other ways of serving.

Mr. Gaskin is survived by his two daughters, Donna Oswald (Jimmy) and Renee Taylor (Ken); grandchildren, Jamie Oswald (Lacey) and Allen Oswald; great grandchildren, Hunter and Graysen Oswald; brother, John Lewis Gaskin; brother-in-law, Ray Byrd (Emma); sister-in-law, Rhoda Byrd; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Gaskin; his parents, Henry and Bessie Gaskin; his brothers, Roy Gaskin, Oscar Smyrl Gaskin, and Boyd Gaskin; his sister, Sarah Gaskin; brother-in-law, James "Buck" Byrd; and nephew, Mark Byrd.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Gaskin will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Elgin Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Todd Rudisill and Rev. Bobby Joyner. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Burgess Funeral Home and other times at the home of Donna and Jimmy Oswald.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Elgin Baptist Church, 2303 Belmont St, Lancaster, SC 29720 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Attn: Memorial Dept., 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.