Josephas Jackson (Jack) Lancaster

Dr. Josephas Jackson "Jack" Lancaster, age 90, of the Belmont community in Gainesville passed away on the morning of Wednesday, August 27, 2014.



He was born in Hall County on April 16, 1924. He was the son of Walter and Lena Lancaster. He grew up in the Belmont community and graduated from Braselton High School. He was employed by Piedmont College and then enlisted in the US Army in 1941. He saw action in the European Theatre of World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He enrolled at the University of Georgia and earned a BS in Agronomy and Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics. He also earned an Ed.D. in Adult Education from Cornell University.



He was employed as a County Agent in Union, Towns and Catoosa counties and ultimately became Head of Extension Education in the College of Agriculture at the University of Georgia.



He was a past president of the National Association of Adult Educators. He served in the Candler Voting Precinct, Georgia Silver-haired Legislators and was a former president of the local chapter of NARFE. He was active in the Hall County Retired Teachers Association and numerous other Civic and Professional societies.



He was a longtime faithful member, Sunday School teacher and deacon of Belmont Baptist Church. He very much enjoyed singing and the gift of music.



He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frances Waters Lancaster and brother, J. W. Lancaster.



Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Glen Cleveland and Martha Jane and Mark Gaskins; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Emily Lancaster and Joseph and Cariel Lancaster; granddaughters, Maggie Gaskins, Sarah Moen, and Lauren Lancaster; grandsons, Ben Cleveland, Brad Cleveland, Matthew Gaskins, and Jon Lancaster; great granddaughter, Isabel Cleveland, Brother and Sister-in-Law, Wiley and Hazel Lancaster, Sisters, Frances Bailes and Lora Blasingame, Sister and Brother-in-Law, Virginia and Bill Cook.



Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Belmont Baptist Church. The body will lie-in-state from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Bill Compton will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.



Memorial contributions may be made to the Belmont Baptist Church or charity of your choosing.



Online condolences may be made at wardsfh.com Ward's Funeral Home 758 Main Street S.W. Gainesville in charge of arrangements.