Mr. Olmstead Bryant (O.B./Poppy) Gaston

Mr. Olmstead Bryant Gaston was born on December 9, 1951 in New York City, New York to Mrs. Charlotte Foster Gaston and the late Mr. Nelson Gaston. His younger sister Cynthia Renee preceded him in death. He was the second eldest of his siblings.

Mr. Gaston attended public schools in New York City and Nassau County. He graduated from Westbury Senior High, Westbury, Long Island, New York in 1970. He matriculated at SUNY Manhattanville College. Mr. Gaston enjoyed a long and successful career with the New York City Department of Sanitation as Captain Supervisor Engineer. He received numerous awards and commendations during his employ. In 2003 he retired and relocated to Savannah, GA where he resided on Wilmington Island.

Bryant was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was an Elder until his illness.

Earlier in his life he preferred to be called by his middle name, Bryant; but, he was also affectionately known by family and friends as “Poppy“. In addition to excelling academically, Bryant was quite the athlete having played Varsity Baseball and Basketball in high school, as well as college sports. As a youngster he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned numerous badges. His commitment to serving his community continued into adulthood.

Bryant was both the class and family clown. His sense of humor was unparalleled; but, he was most famous for his pranks, many of which are now legend. He also had a knack for enlisting his siblings and friends in his mischievousness!

He and his former wife Joyce Winstead met and dated while in college. They later married and had two beautiful daughters Rachel and Bethany -- the apples of his eye. Bryant was also the proud grandfather of Zachariah and Micah, the children of Bethany and son-in-law Byron Ewing.

Bryant’s various hobbies and interests included travel and photography. He was also a licensed airplane pilot but could never get us to go barnstorming with him!

Bryant valiantly endured a long debilitating illness leaning on the eternal hope of the resurrection. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelations 21:4). On Friday, February 22nd 2013 he left to cherish his memory, his beloved mother Charlotte F. Gaston, five sisters Charlotte Gordon (Irving Eugene), Marion Gaston, Agnes Mitchell (Chris), Nelene Gaston, Sheila Harris (Michael) and a brother, Anthony Gaston. Nieces and nephews, Aaron, Brandon, Garrett, Alexis, Warren, Mallory, Marcel and Jasmine. As well as aunts, uncles and a host of cousins.

Sunrise ~ December 9th 1951 To Sunset ~ February 22nd 2013

His Legacy