William Edward Gaskins Sr.

William Edward Gaskins, Sr., 92, of Vanceboro, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 14th, 2020. Ed was born in Craven County to the late W.M. and Mildred Dolene Gaskins and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked in the Naval Supply Department at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, where he retired following a long career spanning more than 30 years. He was also a barber, working in both Havelock and Vanceboro for many years. A talented woodworker, Ed specialized in carving birds. He also enjoyed oil painting as well as working in his garden and took special pride in his pecan trees and grapevines. Above all, he loved the Lord and was a charter member of the Vanceboro Missionary Baptist Church and the Vanceboro Rescue Squad. A source of great joy for him was listening to live gospel music.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Dorothy Mills Gaskins; son, Joey A. Gaskins (Carol); grandchildren, Laura Gaskins Riggs (James), William E. "Billy" Gaskins, III, April Gaskins Lewis (Edgar), Sheila Gaskins Garrett (Dillon), and Crystal Gaskins; as well as thirteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Sadly, he was preceded in death by his son, William E. Gaskins, Jr. and his grandson, Tracy Alan Gaskins.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17th at Cotten Funeral Chapel with Pastor William Sealy officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Palmetto Chapel F.W.B. Church Cemetery in Vanceboro.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.