Mr. Bennie W. Gloster, Jr. of Douglasville, GA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Tranquility Hospice in Austell, GA. A long-term resident of Ft. Pierce, FL., he was born on January 27, 1936 in Quitman, GA to the late Bennie W. Gloster, Sr, and the late Rubye Humphrey Gloster. He was educated in the segregated school system of the area and, like many, often had to interrupt his formal education to work alongside his brother, James, to toil in the fields to help support his family. Perhaps this is where his love for gardening was nurtured. He and his brother would often steal away to explore the woods. He often spoke of their encounter with an alligator which met its match against the Gloster brothers. Despite the disruptions to his education, he persevered and graduated later than he would have without such interruptions-a testament to his commitment to the value of education.
The lessons he learned on the farm were translated into a successful professional work life. He spent many years as an aircraft mechanic for Piper Aircraft, Inc. in Vero Beach, Florida. Never content to let his valuable skillset go unused, he often found ways to help others, whether it was repairing a broken fixture or attending to someone’s yard and vehicle.
He has been called a “Pillar in the Community” because his example, in his quiet dignity, was observed by most people in Ft. Pierce who saw in him, a living example of Christian manhood.
Bennie was a man of faith who loved the Lord and was very active in ministry. He was confirmed as an Elder in the Church and he sang in the choir and served as a respected mentor within the church family, where his wise counsel was often sought out by many congregants. Young family members called him “papa” or “grandpa.” He is best described as humble, quiet, dependable, disciplined and orderly, and most of all thankful.
His appetite and thirst for God was matched only by his love for good southern food. Never shy about enjoying a good meal-fruits and nuts were never too far out of his strong grasp. Those who greeted him were often met with his vice-like grip, a firm handshake often used in lieu of tools around the house. Everyone who met him loved him instantly and he never complained even when his health began to fail.
He was united in Holy Matrimony with the former Catherine Proctor, to which were born three children. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage for nearly 40 years until her Heavenly transition. He was later united in matrimony with the former Mary Jean Barnes.
Preceding him in death are his first loving wife, Catherine P. Gloster; his second wife, Mary Gloster; his son, Dr. Kent R. Gloster; and his parents, Rubye and Bennie Gloster, Sr.
Bennie is survived by his children, Glenn (Julienne) Gloster of Stone Mountain, GA, and Jennifer (James) Tyson, of Douglasville, GA; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Gloster, widow of the late Dr. Kent Gloster, of Orange Park, FL; his grandchildren, Joshua Gloster, Aaryn Gloster, Christa Gloster, Matthew Gloster, Thalia Tyson, and Tamryn Tyson; step-children, Dwayne Barnes and Delana (Elton) Noble; his brothers, James (Daisy) Gloster, Sr., Moses (Carolyn) Gloster, Seymore Gloster, Clinton (Alicia) Gloster, Arthur (Cheryl) Gloster, and Michael Gloster; his sisters, Callie Harris, Rubye (Jesse) Cogdell, Dorothy (John) Miles, Irene (Jesse) Atkins, Sharon (Alton) Breeden, Lorene (Harold) Tutt, and Pamela (Chris) Jones;; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones and friends.
A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will occur at Rosehaven Cemetery.
Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com
Arrangements entrusted to: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246
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