Timothy Leon "T.J." Gaskin Jr.

Courtesy Announcement

Mr. Timothy Leon Gaskin, Jr., affectionately known as T.J. by his family and Tim by his friends, was the son of Timothy and Dr. Monetha Gaskin, born in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 3, 2003. TJ was a radiant light whose smile could touch any heart and whose presence could brighten any room. TJ was a proud product of the Richland Two School District. He attended Sandlapper Elementary, Longleaf Middle, and graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 2021.

After high school, TJ worked various jobs while studying to enter the military. One of the most meaningful roles he held was working alongside his dad with T2 Lawn Care Service, LLC. For eight years, they served the local community together. Their service extended beyond weekdays, as they shared a commitment to faith and servitude; they worked as part of the Brookland Baptist Northeast media ministry, helping bring the worship experience to external viewers each Sunday. TJ was a born-again believer. He was raised in Brookland Baptist Church, where he was baptized and received the right hand of fellowship after rededicating his life to Christ on August 11, 2019.

Since April 2024, TJ has worked at the Sandhill Shooting Sports, LLC first in range maintenance and later as a Range Safety Officer. TJ had a natural gift for connecting with people. His infectious smile, pretty teeth, laugh, and his "yo" when he saw something cool had a way of making everyone feel connected. No matter the setting, TJ never met a stranger. That magnetic personality also made him a well-loved figure in the competitive shooting community. A dedicated and talented competitor, TJ quickly rose through the ranks in just over a year from a beginner to a respected B-Class shooter. He earned his Range Safety Officer Certification and completed multiple advanced courses through Empirical Concepts Training. Always looking to grow and support others, TJ was preparing to take the USPSA Range Officer course to increase his knowledge and safety techniques.

TJ leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents, his sister Ticora Gaskin, his god siblings Markell Young and Khaleel and Kamila El-Amin, his great-grandmother Inez Brown Parks, his grandparents, Furmella Oglesby, and Anthony and Alice Gaskin. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, brothers and sisters of the shooting community, and countless loved ones who will forever cherish his memory in their hearts.

Above all, TJ will be remembered for the joy he brought into every space he entered, the lives he touched through his kindness and service, and the lasting impression he made in the brief but beautiful time he was given.

Timothy Leon Gaskin, Jr.'s final arrangements:

Public Viewing - Thursday, August 14, 2025 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Brookland Baptist Church Northeast, 1203 Summit Parkway, Columbia, SC 29229

Celebration of Life - Friday, August 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing begins at 1:00 p.m. at Richland 2 Performing Arts Center, 763A Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC 29223

Burial - Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Blvd., Columbia, SC 29203

Repast - The Britt Event Center, 533 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC, 29229

Professional services entrusted to Leevy's Funeral Home in Columbia, SC.