Joe Saye Gaston,Sr.

Joe Saye Gaston, Sr. (Joe), 91, passed away from this earth on December 12, 2023, at MUSC Hospital in Columbia, SC, and rode into Heaven to celebrate in glory a life well lived. He was born in Chester County on December 8, 1932, to John Porter Gaston, Sr. and Mary Rebecca Saye Gaston. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Saye Gaston Sharp, and a brother, John Porter Gaston, Jr. He was a 1952 graduate of Lewisville High School and remained in touch with his fellow graduates attending many reunions. Joe married Frances Elizabeth Allen Gaston (Libby) on January 26, 1958, at Harmony Baptist Church in Edgemoor, SC. Joe and Libby were married for 65 years and raised two children together, Mary Elizabeth Gaston and Joe Saye Gaston, Jr. Joe’s children, along with Joey’s wife, Marie Westbrook Gaston were dear to him, and he enjoyed spending time with them and shared knowledge and wisdom that greatly contributed to who they are. Joe is also survived by his sister, Susan Gaston Brown and her husband Dr. Robert O. Brown and two brothers, William Newton Gaston (Peace) and James McFadden Gaston (Catherine). An incredible Joe Pop to many who knew him, but especially to his adored granddaughters, Jobeth Marie Gaston Holmes (Andrew), Maggie Thomas Gaston, and Annie Rebecca Gaston, and even more adored great granddaughters, Reagan Marie Holmes and Porter Drew Holmes, Joe was often seen doing exactly whatever they wanted him to do – whether they were feeding horses, riding tractors, or having a tea party. A gracious friend, Joe welcomed everyone with a reliable, warm smile. He invited strangers as well as old friends to sit with him and was quick to offer a hand to anyone. Joe truly lived a “family table” mantra. An accomplished farmer, Joe was honored in 1966 as the Regional Outstanding Young Farmer for Farm and Home. He was also recognized for his Electrification Accomplishments in District 2 of South Carolina. Joe was a member of Edgemoor ARP Church and was a founding member of the Lando Fire Department. Joe, along with his wife, Libby, perhaps became most well known as the owners and mainstays of The Front Porch restaurant that they opened in 1984. A popular local destination filled with regulars and frequented by repeat travelers, Joe was a constant there. Well respected in the community as someone with a true servant heart, everyone also knew that Joe could work circles around anyone – even those half his age – whether it was on the farm or at the restaurant. A mentor to many, Joe was quick to take younger people under his wing and always had time for them. Joe celebrated his 91st birthday on Saturday, December 9 surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind a family who were well loved, more friends than you could count, and a community that will long treasure his legacy and seek to honor his memory. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Joe Saye Gaston, Sr. Monday, December 18, 2023, at Edgemoor ARP Church at 2 pm, with Rev. Dr. Neely Gaston, Rev. Dr. Joseph Gaston, and Rev Dr. Bob Elliott officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 1 – 2 pm at the church, and other times at the home. Interment will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Strides of Strength Therapeutic Services, 2717 Gaston Farm Road, Chester, SC 29706, the Lando Fire Department, 4487 Edgeland Road, Edgemoor, SC 29712, or the Richburg Fire Department, 224 N. Main Street, Richburg, SC 29729. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com