Richard "Buddy" Gaskin

On October 12, 2017 after an extended illness Richard Douglas Gaskin Sr. (Buddy) 78 of Boaz passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His funeral service will be 4 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Etowah Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery with Bro. Wayne White officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 until 4 at the funeral home before the service. Richard was born on May 3, 1939 to R.D. and Mamie Gaskin in Shaw Mississippi. The family relocated to the Sand Mountain area where he attended and graduated from Sardis High School in 1957. After serving his country in the US Air Force, Richard went to work for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where he retired after 32 years of service. In addition, Richard was well known in the Smith Institute community as proprietor of Bud and Linda’s Grocery and Gaskin Farms for a number of years. Richard enjoyed Alabama Football, gardening, being surrounded by his family and his beloved pet “Taz”. Richard was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Linda Brooks Gaskin, daughters Shanna (Barry) Brothers; Heather (David) Gaskin; Audra (Brent)Chastain; and son Richard (Jennifer) Gaskin Jr. Left to treasure his memory are 9 grandchildren Jessica NeSmith, Mariah Cassels, Christian Parton, Lauren Wordlaw, Brock Wordlaw, Heather Gaskin, Jacque Gaskin, Mary Gaskin, Aubree Chastain and three great-grandchildren. Richard leaves behind four sisters Shelba (John) Craig; Carolyn (Bonard Wayne) Hamby; Kay (Jerry) Lackey; Anita (Dave) Collier and four brothers Gerald (Johnnie) Gaskin; Dan (Marsha) Gaskin; Brian Gaskin; and Tim (Sheri) Gaskin and a wealth of nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents R.D. and Mamie Gaskin, sister Sharon Rains, and grandson Patrick Brothers. Casket bearers will be Tony Gaskin, Jerry Don Lackey, Patrick Hamby, Jeremy Slaton, Jarrod Lackey, Matthew Lackey, Ryan Gaskin, and Wade Lackey. Honorary casket bearers are Michael Craig, Jared Gaskin, and Bryant Gaskin. Special thanks to Marshall Medical Centers, Marshall Wound Healing Center, Sand Mountain Surgical Associates, Gadsden Regional CCU and 9th floor staff, Select Specialty Hospital in Birmingham.

Richard "Buddy" Gaskin

May 3, 1939 - October 12, 2017