Willie Vanburean Gist, 77, of Fairfax passed away Thursday night, Aug. 20th, at University Medical Center in Augusta, Ga.

Husband of Marona Johnson Gist and son of the late Julian Gist and the late Grace Rutherford Gist, he was a native of Cherokee County.

A graduate of Granard High School's Class of 1949, Gist was a member of Dunton United Methodist Church and after moving to Fairfax attended Bethel C. M.E. Church.

He was a United States Navy Veteran and retired as a Navy Officer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Marcella Gist of Fairfax; his son, Michael Gist of Augusta; three sisters, Flora Gist of Gaffney, Avon Jenkins of Philadelphia, Pa., and Olgie Malone of Washington, D.C.; several grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Buford Military Center in Buford, with the Rev. M. F. Riley, II officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday at Bethel C.M.E. Church in Fairfax.

The family is at the residence.

Courtesy of Foster Funeral Home of Gaffney.