Remembering a Wonderful Man

Darryl Reginald Gaston was born in Charlotte, NC on June 24, 1961 and departed to his eternal rest on February 20, 2021. He was the youngest of four children born to John Lee and Edna M. Holman Gaston. He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System and graduated from Independence High School in 1979.

Darryl was baptized at Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. During his youth and early adulthood, Darryl was always active within the Presbyterian Church. He served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school Teacher, Moderator of Christian Education, Greeters Ministry, the Evangelism Ministry team, Secretary of the Presbyterian Men's Council, and Director of C.H.I.P. (Church Intervention Project- an after school program for inner city youth in grades K-4). He has served as the Pastor of Smallwood Presbyterian Church for the last 8 years. Darryl loved his home church of Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church and Smallwood Presbyterian Church. He was known to quickly say, " I pastor at Smallwood, but Statesville Ave is my home church."

Immediately after high school, Darryl enrolled in the Blackworld College of Hair Design. he wanted to enroll at Hairstyling Institute of Charlotte but was unable to as a black individual. After his graduation from Blackworld, he was able to further his education at the Hairstyling Institute of Charlotte and became a licensed Master Barber Stylist and Educator. He was the fist Black instructor of Barber and Hairstyling for more than 10 years. He had a successful career as a business owner and entrepreneur.

In 1996, he sold his businesses to become a full-time caregiver for his ailing mother. While caring for his mother, he accepted the call and receive an education in Lay Pastor Development from Presbytery of Charlotte. After completion of his Lay Pastor of Development, he accepted a call as a Commission Ruling Elder for Smallwood Presbyterian Church in 2012. Darryl served on numerous Task Forces, Boards and Committees within the Charlotte Presbyter. He served as a Moderator of Charlotte Presbytery in 2015 and was the first Commissioned Ruling Elder to serve in this capacity.

Darryl was active in the church and the Community of Charlotte, particularly in the Druid Hills and North End communities. He was especially committed to homeless ministry and helping to eradicate individuals experiencing homelessness. He was board member of the Resident Leadership Council for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership, a former Board member of the Charlotte Area Fund, a member of the Central Division of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Advisory Council and Neighbor Works America. He was a member of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society and a certified Wildlife Habitat Steward. In partnership with the Mecklenburg Audubon Society, Druid Hills Neighborhood Association hosted the first  Annual Birds and Nature Festival in 2019.

Darryl met his wife, Melissa, while serving as community advocates.. They were married May 27, 2014. She was the second half of "Team Gaston" as they were affectionately known throughout the City of Charlotte.

Darryl is preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna Gaston, a special Godfather Robert Lee Brace, his brothers, John Lee Jr. and Bernard H. Gaston.

Darryl leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Melissa, a stepson Michael Lowe, and a sweet grandbaby Ava, brother William T. Gaston, his special uncle-brother Raymond Holman (Margie), his best friend James Robinson, numerous aunts, nephews, nieces, great nieces, great nephews, cousin, and friends.

Darryl was blessed with an inner and outer beauty. He was warm, dignified, classy, friendly, very sensitive, and enjoyed helping people. He loved his family and was caring, understanding, faithful and greatly devoted. Darryl was indeed a wonderful person. Although our hearts are heavy laden with sorrow, we can never forget that God in His infinite wisdom and graciousness, gave us the greatest gift of all. The endless love of a wonderful man who walked through life with us as a husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, and most of all a servant leader. God has called him home to a kingdom of perpetual sunshine, but his bright, happy, loving spirit will forever be with those of us who knew and loved him. Rest well my love, you will never be forgotten, your work here is done.

Private Funeral Services will be held.