Claude Washington Gossett, Jr.,81, of Athens, died Thursday afternoon, February 4, 2016 at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.
He was a native of Pawhuska, Oklahoma and was a son of the late Claude W, Sr. and Cora Collins Gossett. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sue Wilson and Mary Germany.
He attended Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, he received his master's degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Phd in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as Professor of Voice at Auburn University for 26 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus. He served on the Athletic Committee, served as President of the Faculty Senate and was Faculty Advisor to the Auburn University Gospel Choir. He served as Minister of Music at Highland Avenue Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, Friendship Baptist Church in Groves, Texas, First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN, Broadway Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS, Auburn United Methodist Church in Auburn, Alabama. He was active in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, serving in various offices at the regional and national levels. He was a member of the Lions Club, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Twin City Lodge No. 76 F and AM. He served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia Corley Gossett of Athens; one daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Mike Simmons of Athens; one son and daughter-in-law, Claude W, III and DeLeith Gossett of Lubbock, Texas; two granddaughters, Bethany Hedger and Tori Gaddis; five grandsons, Josh Simmons, Jake Simmons, Drew Simmons, Chris Gossett and Grant Gossett; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Charla Sherbacoff and Rev. Jake Simmons officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30 pm Tuesday at the church prior to the memorial service. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Josh and Drew Simmons, Peter Hedger, Jr, Chris and Grant Gossett, and Brent Gaddis.
The family suggests memorials be made to the 4 Little Girls Scholarship Fund at Auburn University.