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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF COACH PETER L. GASKINS OF LAKE CITY, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, Peter Leroy Gaskins was lovingly given life by the late Ms. Lillian Johnson who sacrificially chose the late William and Nora Cockfield Gaskins to become his parents; and
Whereas, his educational foundation began at Camerontown Elementary School and continued at Carver High School in Lake City, where his leadership skills were recognized early. With a natural curiosity, and extroverted personality, he easily met and mingled with others. He was an honor student who excelled in football, sang in the school's choir, and was a member of the drama club; and
Whereas, after graduating from high school, he enrolled at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Before completing his course of study, Coach Gaskins was sent into combat in Vietnam. He attained the rank of sergeant and earned several citations, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Marksman (Rifle M-14). He was honorably discharged in 1969; and
Whereas, upon returning home, his heart's desire was to marry Gloria, the love of his life, who accepted his marriage proposal. Peter and Gloria exchanged vows at the Greater St. James AME Church on March 28, 1970; and
Whereas, determined to complete his degree, he resumed his studies at Shaw University, earning a degree in biology/chemistry. He returned to Lake City to teach at Olanta High School and was asked to organize a football team. A few years later, he became assistant principal at Hemingway High School, where he also coached girls' basketball. Peter returned to Florence District Three, received his Master of Education degree from South Carolina State University and spent the greatest number of years of his educational career here as a teacher, assistant principal, and varsity football coach. He also performed the duty of the district-level position Director of Transportation which he held until his retirement in 2005; and
Whereas, from a childhood fascination of the process of death and mortuary science, he was led to part-time work at Green's Funeral Home. Peter became a Licensed Funeral Director, was a member of the 6th Congressional District Morticians Association and served for over fifty years in the funeral profession. When Mr. Haile S. Green retired, Peter was joined by two others to purchase the firm
now known as Green-Cooper-Gaskins Funeral Home LLC. He became the first manager of the new partnership and served in that position from 2015 through 2017; and
Whereas, Peter was a devoted member of Greater St. James AME Church for over fifty years. He was appointed Church Director of Transportation and filled various other leadership roles; and
Whereas, he dearly loved, respected, and appreciated Gloria, his wife and partner of over fifty years. He was also appreciative that God had blessed their union with two lovely children, Malkah and Peter Christopher. He was an encourager and taught them to work hard to be their best, be polite, and to respect God, themselves, and others. He demonstrated many of his principles by example in his relationships and activities at home, church, school, within the community, and through civic activities. His loving legacy will be held in the hearts of all those he touched, who will forever cherish his memory. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That, by this resolution, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Coach Peter L. Gaskins of Lake City, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Peter L. Gaskins.
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