William Edward Giddens

He is 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 is 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 good example for our youth of today in hopes of a better tomorrow.

Gus was the 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, Leonard L. Bainbridge (husband of Betty A.) Christopher T. Giddens, two daughters, Kelly Giddens and Kimberly Bainbridge and stepson, Richard Bainbridge. Grandchildren, Jameel Bainbridge, Janelle Bainbridge and Kai Giddens. Great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousin. 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).

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.

Gus is predeceased 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 9:00pm in Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Saturday visitation 8 to 9:30am in St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 436 S. 7th St., Reading 19602. Funeral service will promptly follow at 9:30am with Pastor Leroy officiating.

Internment will take place in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale, PA .

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