Gladston 'G.E.' Light

Gladston "G.E." Light, 88 of Oakwood went home to be with our Lord on April 25, 2014. He was in his home surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

He was born in the Bethel community of Forsyth County, the oldest son of the late Glenn and Rae (Hunt) Light. Growing up helping his family manage a working farm with his five brothers and sisters, he also attended Chestatee School until the 9th grade. Several years later, he was drafted to serve as a Navy Seaman during World War II serving on the U.S.S. Randolph aircraft carrier. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Helen Reed, and they moved to Oakwood. He began his work at Georgia Power during those early years, and this is the time when his initials, "G.E. Light", became well known. After retiring with over 28 years at Georgia Power, he started his own grading and landscaping business in 1972. During this period in his career, he realized his life's gift and calling of moving the earth and serving his customers with faithful excellence. After continuing to work until 1996, he spent his remaining years volunteering in his church, spending time with his family, and sharing wise counsel with those around him.

His spiritual journey began early in life at the church where his family had donated land to build Bethel Baptist Church in Forsyth County. Accepting Christ at a young age, his love and trust in the Lord continued to grow throughout his lifetime. After marriage, he was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Oakwood where he served various ministries as a deacon and Director of Operations.

Gladston was also a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Surviving family members include his wife of almost 66 years, Helen Light; son and daughter in law, David and Irma Light; daughters and sons in law, Pam and David Turk, Patti and Mitch Taylor; grandsons, Kevin Light, Blake (Kelly) Light, Jesse (Allison) Turk, Michael (Ashley) Turk, Zachary (Alyson) Abernathy, Andrew Abernathy, and Phil Abernathy; granddaughters, Emily Turk (Courtney) Simmons, Christina Abernathy (Dustin) Cleveland, and Mary Turk (Adam) Bess; brother and sisters in law, Harold and Jackie Light; sister and brother in law, Mary and Richard McCrary; sister, Janice Stever; sister in law, Rachel Crumley; 13 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and extended family; and his beloved pet dog, companion, and protector, Sally.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Glenn and Rae Light; sister, Annelle Youngblood; brother, Bonnie Light; daughter in law, Martha Light; and generations of other family and friends to greet him in heaven.

Special thanks to family caregivers Patsy Samples, Nora Tiller, Barb Voan, Kristi Westmoreland, Trish Forrester, as well as Northeast Georgia Hospice Care.

The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. His funeral service will be led by Rev. Steve Fenlon at First Baptist Church Oakwood, 3780 Old Oakwood Rd. on Sunday April 27, 2014, at 3 p.m. followed by a graveside service with military honors at Oakwood Cemetery. For details and directions you may call the church at 770-534-4193.

The family has requested that the Deacons serve as honorary pallbearers and to please assemble at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Outreach Ministries of First Baptist Church Oakwood, Ga.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.