Rodney Gaskins

Rodney Alden Gaskins, 83, of Charleston, SC, beloved husband of Esther Hegwood Gaskins, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Rodney was born August 24, 1942 in Charleston, SC, son of the late Gervase Gonzales Gaskins and Lola Ruth (Poston) Gaskins. Rodney grew up in Charleston Heights, SC and graduated from Chicora High School. He was trained in electronics at a trade school in Columbia, SC. He worked as an electronics technician for Westvaco Corporation and Measurex before he began his long term career at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. At the Shipyard, Rodney progressed through multiple positions, including electronics technician, instructor, nuclear inspector and planner. He retired as a supervisor in the module maintenance facility under the Space and Naval Warfare System Center in 2000.

Rodney married Esther on November 1, 1997. They enjoyed an active lifestyle together for many years. They spent time together jogging, playing tennis, bicycling, hiking, exploring downtown Charleston, traveling and rooting for the CofC basketball team. Rodney enjoyed woodworking and made cherished intarsia and wood-crafted gifts for family members. He was also a ham radio operator, using his knowledge to help a young man earn a required badge leading to Eagle Scout.

He is survived by his wife, Esther; son, Paul Gaskins (Cheryl), of James Island; daughter, Victoria Gaskins Alea (David) of Meggett; step-sons Jamie Spell (Penny) of Santee and Jeff Spell of Charleston; grandchildren Brannen Spell (Caitlin), Cassidy Alea (Deven), Becca Spell, Avery Alea and Alden Alea; and three great-granddaughters; His brothers, Ronald Gaskins (Beverly) of Chambersburg, PA and Dana Gaskins (Jane, deceased) of Mountain Rest, SC. In addition to his parents, Rodney was preceded in death by his sister, Priscilla Hogan.

His Funeral Service will be held 1:30 PM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Fort Johnson Baptist Church, The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church, 1473 Camp Road, Charleston, 29412. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road.

If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to deliver all flowers to the funeral home between 10AM and 3PM, Monday, October 27th.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.