Charles “Jake” Richard Gaskins

ELGIN Charles “Jake” Richard Gaskins, U.S. Army (Ret.), age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Born in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late Dennis Belmont and Della May Allgood Gaskins. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired honorably following 20 years of service, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, one in 1968 and one in 1971.

Jake enjoyed tinkering with antique cars and owned several during his lifetime, including his current 1929 Ford Model A. But his real passion for the past several years was growing vegetables in his small garden. He was a master at getting maximum yields of potatoes, onions, squash, cucumbers, okra and collards. His family, friends, doctors’ offices, credit union and complete strangers can attest to his green thumb. He would make delivery trips around town to make sure none of his vegetables went to waste.

Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra Gaskins; sister, Sandra Tatem; sisters-in-law, Dorothy P. Gaskins, Marilyn Howell (Jerry Branham), Linda Jacobs (David), Audrey Oakes (Ryland); niece, Lisa Coley (Kelly). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, William “Bill” Lester Gaskins and Dennis Belmont Gaskins Jr.

The family requests no flowers.

Entombment will be private in the mausoleum in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at ww.dunbarfunerals.com