Clayton Harley Gaskins, Sr.

Clayton Gaskins, Sr. (affectionately known as Skip), of Summerville, SC, loving husband of 57 years to Cindy, passed away peacefully at his home after a long valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Funeral Services will be Friday morning, October 4, 2024 at 11 o'clock in Parks Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Summerville Cemetery. A final viewing will be from 10 until 10:30 on Friday morning. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 o'clock until 8 o'clock in the parlor at Parks Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted.

Skip was born in Charleston, SC on October 7, 1946 to Howard and Lorena Gaskins. He was the younger brother of Butch Gaskins. Often mistaken as twins as adults, the brothers had a very close, special relationship.

Skip was a 1964 graduate of Garrett High School where he stood out as an award-winning athlete, playing football and baseball throughout high school. He furthered his education at the Baptist College of Charleston (now known as Charleston Southern University) becoming the first person in his family to obtain a college degree.

He and Cindy Knisely met in high school when they were 15. They dated in high school and thought that after Cindy had moved to Florida, they may not see each other anymore. Fate had a different plan. Cindy returned to South Carolina and the two were married in early 1967. Later that year, they welcomed their son, Clayton Jr., whom Cindy wanted to name Scott. Skip won the battle, but Momma won the war as young Clayton has been known to all as Scott his entire life.

After a few short years working in the retail industry, Skip began his long-term career running the business offices of major hospitals, most notably, LW Blake Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida and the Medical University of South Carolina from which he retired in the early 2000s.

One of the greatest unexpected joys of Skip’s life was becoming Granddad to two grandchildren, Cooper and Harleigh, whom he, along with Cindy have spent many years loving and spoiling. Skip could often be found at the ballfield watching Cooper, and anyone that knew him was clearly aware that Harleigh had him wrapped around her little finger. If Harleigh said “Granddad, I want…”,Granddad said, “Let’s do it”.

Skip was a genuine man with a loving heart and will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Cindy and son, Scott; Skip is survived by his daughter-in-law Betsy, grandson Cooper, granddaughter Harleigh, and grand-pup Sadie all of Ridgeville, SC; brother Butch Gaskins (Bertie) of Hanahan, SC; niece Kelly Gaskins of Hanahan, SC; two great nephews, one great niece, and two great-great nieces.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided to Skip by Roper Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Roper Hospice, 8536 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Suite 207B, Ladson, SC 29456.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1ST North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clayton Harley Gaskins, Sr., please visit our floral store.