Oscar R. Gist Sr.

Oscar Gist, Sr. Obituary
Oscar Rudolph Gist, Sr., 94, of Union, SC made his transition Wednesday morning, August 14, 2024, in Spartanburg Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was born and reared in Buffalo (Union County) and was the son of the late Will Gist and Edith Hughes Gist.
Mr. Gist graduated from Sims High School in 1949 as part of the first class to complete the 12th grade. After graduating from Sims High School, Mr. Gist enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and France. Upon returning to Union, he became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Mr. Gist briefly worked at a car dealership, worked in construction, and drove an 18-wheeler before beginning his long career with Milliken and Co. He retired from Milliken as a supervisor after 37 years. Prior to retiring, he became an entrepreneur,selling clothes from his car. Later he rented space in the L.W. Long building and opened Oscar's Clothing. Eventually he purchased the storefront on East Main Street and continued to work until his recent illness.
Our Beloved was a faithful member of McBeth Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the deacon board for a number of years and deacon emeritus from 2017 until his death. He was Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher for many years. He also sang on the All-Male Choir. Mr. Gist was instrumental in McBeth obtaining the current property at 105 Lawson Ave. and also encouraged the church to obtain property on Second Ave. and the property from the Southern Baptist Association of Union, which was located on Porter St. He had a heart for young people and continued to seek positive youth programs to help with their spiritual and physical development. He mentored young boys at the elementary schools in Union and volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Whitney M. Young Service Award. He initiated the AWANA program at McBeth.
Through the years, Mr. Gist served on numerous boards and service organizations. He served as formerboard member of the following organization: Union County Commission of Alcohol and Drug Abuse,Union County Zoning Board, and L.W. Long Resource Center Board. He was a former member of the Men of Action, and a former chairman of the Municipal Election Commission. Masonic Affiliations included the following: Widow Son Lodge #34 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons (PHA), Enterprise Chapter 25 Holy Royal Arch Mason (PHA), R.E. White Knights Templar Commandery #4 (PHA), J.E. Dickson Consistory #217, 32nd Degree (PHA), Tamin Temple #155 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AEAONMS) (PHA).
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Rice Gist; one son, Dr. Darryl Wayne Gist;one grandson, Channing Gist; brothers, Andrew Gist, Joseph Gist, David Wallace Gist; sisters, Ella Lee Jones and Ruby Boatwright.
Left to cherish many fond and loving memories are his children: Oscar R. Gist, Jr. (Vonnie) of Gaffney, SC; three daughters, Kimberly Gist Jackson (Gary) of Inman, SC, Paulia McClain (Ronald) of Boiling Springs, SC and Carmen Jennings of Brooklyn, NY;one granddaughter, D'Asia Micah Grace Gist; one great granddaughter, Braylin Grace Watts; sister-in-law, Mary Gist and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at McBeth Baptist Church, 105 Lawson Ave., Union, SC. Interment will follow in the McBeth Baptist Church Cemetery, 1511 Cross Keys Highway. The family will receive friends at the home.
Arrangements are with Community Mortuary, Inc. 361 Meansville Road, Union, SC
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