Ernest (Ernie) Preston Gaster, Jr

Ernest Preston Gaster, Jr, 89, passed peacefully at his home on Friday, December 7, 2018, following a short illness.  He was born on December 24, 1928 to the late Ernest Preston Gaster, Sr and Mildred Bridges Gaster of Sanford, NC.  

Ernie was a Christian gentleman who enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends.   He was a student at Louisburg College in 1950 when he met his wife of 65 years, Pattie Ladd Gaster.   He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service where he served as the Superintendent of Mail and as a rural route carrier. He retired from the Postal Service in 1980 and then ran a vegetable farm for many years.   After retirement from farming, he enjoyed traveling and playing cards (Hearts) with friends and “piddling” on the farm.   He was an active member of Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church for many years, serving as a Deacon and on the Building and Grounds Committee.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pattie L. Gaster in 2017 and sister Doris G. Reid.   Surviving family includes son Scott Gaster (Vickie) of Oshkosh, WI; son Preston Gaster (Susan) of Sanford; daughter Linda Wicker (Pressley) of Sanford.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Elliot Gaster (Dana), Jordan Gaster (Julie), Will Harris (Rebecca), Anja W. Grassi (Nate), David Gaster and Brooks Gaster, along with five great-grandchildren, Adalynn Gaster, Avrynn Gaster, Grayson Gaster, Ivey Kate Harris and Pressley James (PJ) Grassi.  

Memorials can be made to Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church.

The family will be available at the homeplace on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted Wednesday December 12, 2018 at 4 pm at Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, 316 Main Street, Sanford, NC.   Family will receive visitors at a reception immediately following the service at McDowell Hall, located at the church.   Burial will be performed in a private service at Shallow Well Cemetery.  

Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are by Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.

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