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William Giddens Obituary
William, better known as "Gus" to all his friends and family, was born and raised in Reading, PA.
He was the son of the late James "Track" Giddens and the late Christine Branford-Turman. He is one of eight children, two sisters and five brothers.
Gus was a graduate of Reading Sr. High School. He acquired additional education and training at the Industrial Management Institute, Eastern Bible College and RACC; including certifications from Berks Mindco Kutztown College, ILEAD, Berks AidsNET, Council on Chemical Abuse Addiction Training, Multicultural Leadership Institute, Fair Housing Certification John Marshall Law School and United Way Leadership Training.
An important aspect of his life is family: his spouse, Jeanette, daughters, Kelly and Kim, and sons, Lenny and Chris.
His professional career outside of academics includes employment at Carpenter Technology as an Industrial Engineer, Dana Corporation and the PAL, Dream Program Coordinator.
He has applied this combination of practical and academic experience to a variety of consultancies for political and social agencies throughout the community. Gus has served on several boards, including the YMCA Board of Directors; EOC Youth Council; YMCA Youth Action Program; YMCA Detached Workers Program; Masonic Lodge Victor Lodge #73; F&AM P.H.A. Secretary; Fisherman's Club; President Barack Obama Campaign Regional Coordinator; County Board of Election Democratic Committee; Community Prevention Partnership President; Yes Mentoring Program; Supervising Committee; NAACP Vice President; Reading School Board Director; Weed and Seed Steering Committee; and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club Program Director.
He is currently active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations, including the Reading Human Relation Commission, Chairperson, and Reading Public Library, Trustee.
In his church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, he served on the Trustee Board (President), Pastor Aide, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Mass Choir, Praise Team, President, Chorus, Community Outreach Program, Men of Honor, President and Associate Minister.
Gus has received many achievement awards including Caron Community Leadership Award, Channel 8 WGAL Jefferson Award and the Pennsylvania School Board Association Recognition for School Governance In-Service.
Gus has always enjoyed working with people, especially the youth of our city and has always tried to make a difference in any way that he can. His objective in life is to walk upright in the sight of God and humanity and to be a good example for our youth of today in hopes of a better tomorrow.
Gus was a loving husband, grandfather, brother and uncle.
He was interested in all sports, deeply passionate about basketball and football. He was an avid Los Angeles Lakers and Indianapolis Colts fan.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannette (Boykins) Giddens. They would have celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary August 19th.
He is also survived by his children, two sons, Leonard L. Bainbridge (husband of Betty A.), Christopher T. Giddens; two daughters, Kelly Giddens and Kimberly Bainbridge; and step-son, Richard Bainbridge; grandchildren: Jameel Bainbridge, Janelle Bainbridge and Kai Giddens; great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by five brothers: Eddie James (Janet), Arthur Giddens, David Giddens (Debra), Anthony Giddens, Jeffrey Giddens and two sisters, Julia Rauch (Larry) and Charlene Giddens.
Also surviving are five sisters-in-law: Carmella Boykins, Annette Boykins (Traye), Anita Boykins, Mildred Tyler (Gary) and Veronica Brown (John); and three brothers-in-law: McCrae Boykins (Josephine), McKinley Boykins (Debra) and Keith Boykins (Tanya).
Gus was preceded in death by a brother, Richard D. Giddens, and a sister, Beatrice Coleman.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015, for 7 to 9:00 p.m. in Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Saturday visitation 8 to 9:30 a.m. in St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 436 S. 7th St., Reading 19602. Funeral service will promptly follow at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Leroy officiating. Internment will take place in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale, PA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Giddens
Julia Rauch
August 23, 2015
Rest in peace my dear brother no. More pain and suffering I'll always love you love and cherish your memory your sister Julia
August 17, 2015
Jeanette and Chris,
May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Love,
Floyd, Lisa and Isaiah Myers
Millie and Gary Tyler
August 17, 2015
To the Giddens family-
Our most sincere condolences to the family. Gus has touched many lives with his caring and positive ways. He will be missed.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless you,
Gary, Millie, Shante, and Shannyn
Millie and Gary Tyler
August 17, 2015
Jenny and Chris-
You both know our relationship with Gus. He was more than a brother-in-law; he was our "brother". He will be missed during those special events and every time we come to visit Reading. Gus always had positive things to say and deep conversations. We learned a lot more about Gus over the past week and know that he has been a mentor and a blessing to many people. He was truly a servant to God. We know he will continue to be with us in spirit and the things he would say and do will always be remembered.
We loved him and love you both. We are and will always be here for you.
Love you Sis and Nephew,
Gary, Millie, Shante, and Shannyn
August 17, 2015
The Reyes family sends there blessing and
condolaences to all his family.
Fred Butler
August 16, 2015
I'm really going to miss you Gus.
DORIS & JOE WIGGINS
August 16, 2015
MAY THE PEACE OF be with "YOU"
Samuel Richardson
August 15, 2015
There are times when words can not adequately convey emotions. My condolences to Gus's immediate family and all those whose lives he touched during a remarkable and productive life. I am sorry I could not be there to celebrate his life with friends and former co-workers. I will miss him.
Chris and Marianne Lea & Family
August 15, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Gidden's family,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
omeda boykins
August 15, 2015
gus all of your hard work has ended you have done what god had plan for you to do so rest now in gods peace
Elaine Richardson
August 14, 2015
God Bless the family of William>Gus Giddens as he has gone home to be with our Father & Savior, in a better place. Until we see him again,'Praise God, I want to remember him as I last saw him>Singing his great voice out to the Lord in church. R.I.P friend. Elaine Richardson>Reading, Pa.
August 14, 2015
God Bless the family of William>Gus Giddens as he has gone home to be with our Father & Savior, in a better place. Until we see him again,'Praise God, I want to remember him as I last saw him>Singing his great voice out to the Lord in church. R.I.P friend. Elaine Richardson>Reading, Pa.
Alex & Monique Ramsey
August 14, 2015
To Jeannette and family, So sorry for your loss, may the Lord be with you during this difficult time
DORIS & JOE WIGGINS
August 14, 2015
MAY THE PEACE OF THE BE WITH YOU!!!
Shawn Lee Thomas
August 14, 2015
Hi, Ms. Jeanette. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Gus wants you to keep smiling and to stay in good spirits.. Mr. Gus Giddens was a great man. Man, he can sing! Especially on the church choir at Saint John's Baptist Church. They're not too many people like Gus. God has prepared a mansion for him. He is in no more pain and sorrow. He will always be in your heart. God takes good souls. He was always friendly and polite. May God bless you always. Love Shawn.
Margrette & Rick Bailey
August 14, 2015
Sincere condolences to the entire Giddens family. Gus was a good man and a friend. His passing will truly leave a void in the community. May God give his wife, children and all the family some comfort and peace during this time of grief. May God bless each and every one of you.
Pat Callahan
August 14, 2015
You were a good man Gus, the world was better while you were here. If there is heaven, with any luck I might see you again. RIP
Henrietta Brown and Family
August 14, 2015
With Deepest Sympathy
Stephanie and Derecke Cox
August 14, 2015
With deepest sympathy
August 14, 2015
I pray for the family in this time of sorrow. We know Gus is fine. A fine man.
Ray Hildenbrand Sr.
Shawn L. Thomas
August 14, 2015
Hi, Miss Jeanette. May God give you comfort and peace during the loss of your husband. I will truly miss Mr. Gus Giddens. Boy, he can sing!! He is now singing where God prepared him a room! He is now very happy! He doesn't have to worry or cry with sadness anymore. I know he will always be in your heart. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you always.
Donnamaria Olivieri
August 14, 2015
My deepest condolence to the Giddens family, I was shocked to hear of his untimely passing,I knew Gus for 47 years, remembering him up at the YMCA, PAL, many many places, & he was always there to help out our Community,people & just and all around great guy,my prayers are with his wife & Children, & all concerned, May Gus rest in the arms of our Lord,just so sad,and still unbelievable~ God has truly gained an Angel, RIP my long time friend
Bess Hurr
August 13, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 13, 2015
Deepest Sympathy to the Family. Prayers up!
Dana & Carren Wilson
August 13, 2015
Gus, aka, Fussy Gus, was a true brother and friend. We worked together with EOC. We started along with ( Ron Wright and Bruce Key) a short lived movement called (SIMBA). The Society for the Improvement of Men of Black America. Every time I saw Gus he would call me SIMBA. I have some love and respect for a true brother and friend. Death was no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.
Needum and Diana O'Bryant
August 13, 2015
It is truly with a heavy heart that we send the Giddens family our condolences. Gus touched the lives of many who shared his passion for community activism and standing in the gap for many who did not have a voice. As a commissioner on The Reading Human Relations Commission for more than 30 years,he was a strong advocate who fought diligently to enforce the Civil Rights provisions. His untimely death will leave a void for all who knew and loved him. He will be sorely missed.
August 13, 2015
Dear Family,
Upon learning of the passing of Brother Gus, we extend to you our heartfelt condolences.
As you continue to celebrate a life well lived; may you find yourselves surrounded in Love, Peace and Joy. Always remember that others near and far share in your loss.
May the peace of God be with you always.
Sincerely,
Ms. Dina (Jones) Burdine & Family
Atlanta, Georgia
Leon Durham
August 13, 2015
May the Lord comfort the family in your time of sorrow. Gus will be sadly missed especially when I go to Danny Moore's Barber Shop.
Linda McBee
August 13, 2015
To the Giddens family. My sincere condolences go out to everyone of you. Guss was a great inspiration to the community and will be sadly missed. May God heal your grieving hearts.
Vycki Siegfried
August 13, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
donald flowers
August 13, 2015
My thoughts & condolences go out to the Giddens' family. Gus was a great guy & a good friend. Loved talking about sports & different issues going on. Gus will be missed, but, never forgotten.
Anonymous
August 13, 2015
This man has been such a large inspiration in my life. Words cannot describe my sympathy for the family. He was such an inspiration to the city's youth as he was to me. Rest In Peace, Coach. You are truly missed.
Leslie Kellar
August 13, 2015
Jeanette and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength during this very difficult time. Heaven has another angel.
Carmela Boykins
August 13, 2015
I love you Uncle Gus for ur positive being. Thank you for giving advise to me and my children over the years and for sharing your loving and kind spirit. You will be missed. RIP
Jeanelle Woodard
August 13, 2015
To my family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Gus passing. The last time I seen Gus was in March at my mothers birthday party- singing in a family choir. Rest easy Gus heaven has gained a great singer.
Ann Grubb
August 13, 2015
Jeannette I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 13, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Giddens and Boykins Family. Gus and I went to school together. He always showed so much concern for others. He has left behind a great legacy. I thank God for the opportunity of knowing him.
Regina Burton (Exeter, PA)
August 13, 2015
Giddens/Boykins Family,
In your season of sorrow, words can not express how heavy your grief feels at this moment. There is a time to laugh ands a time to mourn. The DeShields Family mourns with you.
Sorrowfully,
The DeShields Family
Nancy Paskings-Duncan & Family
August 13, 2015
May God Bless you & your family at this time & sorrow. Gus was a great man!
Sheila Wilson
August 13, 2015
My condolences and prayers to the Giddens Family. Remembering Gus growing up in Reading. He contributed a lot to the community.
Judy Beckham ( Floyd )
August 13, 2015
Gus and I went to school together,he was always a good man. We spoke earlier this year. I pray that you rest in peace. To all your family and friends I pray Jesus will send you all an angel of comfort.
Shona Williams, Scott
August 13, 2015
My Condolences, Gus was such a lovely guy, he will be truly missed. I hope god gives you comfort in your time of sorrow. Much love to you and the family.
August 13, 2015
Dear Jesus
In your precious
and Holy name
You know Father
Our days of pain
Mornings seem dark
Even with the sun
Nowhere to hide
Nowhere to run
In this, our time
Of misery
We have learned
To lean on Thee
Now as it all
Appears like dust
In your Love for us
We have learned to trust
In honor of you Lord
We give all praise
Guide us Father through
These sad, sad days.
Rest in prefect peace Gus
Barbara Crawl.
Wanda white
August 13, 2015
I want to send prayers to the Giddens and Boykins. May GOD BLESS.
volda Liggs
August 13, 2015
My prayers and Sympathy is with the family
Florence Mack
August 13, 2015
From your Cousin Florence, sorry I can't make the funeral but my heart and thoughts are with you.
cheryl brossman
August 13, 2015
Jeannette,
Thoughts and prayers for you at this time. He was a great man and will always be in our hearts.
PEACHES WILSON
August 13, 2015
TO MRS. JEANNETTE AND THE GIDDENS FAMILEY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS AND I SEND YOU MY CONDOLENCES FROM ERIC C WILSON FROM FLORIDA AND PEACHES FROM READING GOD BLESS YOU ALL
August 13, 2015
To Jeannette & Family God Bless you! Sorry for you loss! RIP Gus! From Danette & Roger Davis & Family
DOUGLASS FISHER
August 13, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cynthia Weaver
August 13, 2015
Words can not even explain how I felt about Mr. Gus Giddens. I will cherish all the good talks, the great singing on the worship team on Sunday mornings with him, and my last visit with him. To his wife Jannette who I love dearly, and to Chris and the rest of his family , may the legacy of this awesome great man live on. I love you Gus
Lloyd Norman
August 13, 2015
My wife and I send condolences to the Gidden's family. Gus was a good man and he was a friend of mine and he truly will be missed.
Beaty Woods -Bennett
August 13, 2015
Gus will definitely be missed.I will miss coming home and seeing that great smile ,sending prayer to this family
John, Dorriane, Jordan and Alexus
August 13, 2015
To my cousins Jeannette and Christopher, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that God is with you and we are here for you. Gus was a Godly man who loved his family, church and the community. You two, must continue to live his legacy. Chris continue to walk and live in your father's footsteps. We love you both so very much.
Charlotte B. Broadus
August 12, 2015
To Jeannette and the Giddens family sending my condolences to you. My cousin Gus was always there for me, his kindness spirit will be missed. He is in a much better place.
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