Wendell D. Gaskins

Wendell DeWayne Gaskins, 94, husband of the late Ella Lee Gaskins, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Prior to settling in Awendaw, he called Eutaw Springs, his home for 45 years.  

Wendell was born on July 16, 1930 in Fairmont, West Virginia to the late Lilly Layman Gaskins and Harold Gaskins. 

Upon high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class and was a 2-time recipient of The National Defense Service Medal and a 5-time recipient of the Navy Good Conduct Medal. After retiring from the Navy, he began a 25-year career with the Medical University of South Carolina as a Central Supply Manager. 

In his youth, he excelled as a bowler and fast pitch softball pitcher earning him the nickname "Whip Gaskins". During his retirement, he earned another nickname as the "Solitaire King". This card game was a regular fixture in his daily routine for over 20 years! 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ella, his son Larry, and brothers Harold Jr., Loris (L.B.) Marvin, and Cuffy. 

He is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters: John, Michael, Steven, Lynn, and Tammy, as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 

Friends and family visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18th at the funeral home.  

Funeral services will commence at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19th at Avinger Funeral Home in Holly Hill, SC with Rev. John Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the Eutawville Cemetery.  

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.