Zachary Charles Gatson

Zachary Charles Gatson was born on September 7, 1966, in Strongs, Arkansas, to Clifton Taylor and Virginia Williams. At the age of two, he relocated with his mother and siblings to Oakland, California, where he was raised. He departed this life on July 14, 2026, in Hanford, California.

When Zachary was a young child, his extended family lived together in a four-plex in West Oakland. Zachary could be seen daily crossing the outer corridor to knock on his grandmother, Lola White’s door to exclaim, “Big Momma, can you make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?” His request never went unanswered. Growing up Zachary was a fun loving child with a mischievous streak, who enjoyed dancing and athletics.

Zachary was educated in the Oakland public school system and graduated from McClymonds High School in 1984. He went on to attend Alameda College before answering the call to serve his country. In 1985, Zachary proudly joined the United States Navy, where he served as a Radioman aboard the USS Peleliu, stationed out of Long Beach, California. He was honorably discharged in 1989, carrying with him the discipline and dedication that would define the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Zachary worked several jobs before joining UPS as a package handler, where he was later promoted to Operations Supervisor. He went on to build a career of more than twenty years as a Senior Service Technician with Comcast, where he became widely known and loved throughout the Central Valley. Zachary cherished the opportunity his work gave him to enter people's homes, learn their stories, and share the love of Christ with everyone he met.

Zachary accepted Christ at an early age while attending Gethsemane Church in Berkeley, California. After relocating to the Central Valley, he became a faithful member of New Life Pentecostal Church of God in Lemoore, California, where he served wholeheartedly as a Minister of the Gospel, Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, and Brotherhood President. Zachary could always be counted on! He was there when a member of the congregation was in need, a church event needed a helping hand, or a young person, especially a young man, was struggling and needed someone to believe in him. Zachary was always eager to serve others.

Above all his titles and accomplishments, Zachary was most treasured for the love he poured into his family. He and his mother, Virginia, shared a truly special bond; he was her companion and protector, always there when she needed him. He dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews and, after the passing of their father, stepped in without hesitation to serve as a father figure to his sister's children. He ensured that Imani was treated like a princess and coached baseball for Langston and Solomon. As boys they never went without a haircut or needed discipline. He was very proud of his niece Nailah’s military accomplishments and that his nephews Saeed and Kamau were great fathers.

Known throughout the family as the comedian, Zachary never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or lovingly roast whoever was nearby. His laughter and quick wit brought light into every room he entered.

Zachary was preceded in death by his step-father, Jason Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Virginia Williams, of Hanford, California; his grandmother, Lola White, of Lodi, California; his sister, Beverly Maddox, of Oakland, California; and his brother, Michael Gatson, of Lemoore, California; his nephew, Saeed Gatson, of Eugene Oregon; his niece, Imani Maddox-Ajisafe, of Oakland, California; his nephew, Kamau Gatson, of Eugene Oregon; his nephew, Langston Maddox, of Oakland, California, his niece, Nailah Gatson, of Los Angeles, California, his nephew, Solomon Maddox, of Oakland, California, and a host of relatives, church family, and friends whose lives he touched.