Emmett Gaskin

Emmett Lee Gaskin of Irondale, Alabama passed away on February 21, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Emmett was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 1, 1945. He attended Avondale Elementary School and Ramsay High School in Birmingham, and received a degree in Biology from Auburn University.

After graduating from Auburn, he served as a medic in the Army in Vietnam. He then spent a year teaching in Frankfort, Germany before returning to Alabama to teach for decades at Pell City High School where he was a beloved science teacher and was awarded the CIBA -Geigy award for teacher of the year.

Emmett had an eye for natural beauty. He loved flowers, and was an accomplished floral designer, home decorator for the holidays, and landscape advisor.

He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Allen Gaskin, Jr., his mother Chita Smith Gaskin, and his brother James McCune Gaskin. Emmett is survived by his brother Thomas Allen Gaskin, III, his sister Chita Gaskin Middleton, his sister- in- law Amy Hilyer Gaskin, nephew Alan Campbell Gaskin, and nieces Chita Smith Middleton, Edith Ashley Middleton, Emily Hilyer Gaskin, and Mary Beasley Gaskin — and a large circle of close friends.

Emmett accomplished a lot of good in his life and was a gentle soul. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. There will be a memorial service at a later date in honor of Emmett.

In lieu of flowers, water your plants and garden and think of Emmett. Contributions may be made to Emmett’s favorite charities which are: Public Radio WBHM 90.3, Alabama Public Television, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Forever Wild Alabama, c/o Nature Conservancy of Alabama or 1917 Clinic At UAB.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutstrussvillechapel.com for the Gaskin family.