After a long and joyous life, the call to eternal peace and rest came to Hydrick Gass, Sr., 93, Friday, May 13, 2022. He was ushered home with his wife of 67 years, Katherine Jenkins Gass and his son, Hydrick, Jr. at his side.

Hydrick was born September 22, 1928 to John and Rebecca Hall Gass in Orangeburg, SC. In 1948, he received an honorable discharge from the army after having served in the Korean War. Hydrick moved to New York, where he met the love of his life Katherine Jenkins. They were married in 1954 in Brooklyn, NY,. and of this union two children were born, Hydrick, Jr. and Pamela.

Hydrick was employed for 35 years with the State of New York and retired in 1990 before returning to his hometown of Orangeburg, SC. with his beloved wife Katherine. While in New York, Hydrick was active in his community, ensuring that his local neighborhoods were safe and received the same type of community funding that other communities were receiving. Hydrick was instrumental in starting many organizations to benefit the youth in his community. A little league baseball team and swimming lessons were among the many activities he established to ensure children were given every opportunity to succeed. Hydrick started the neighborhood beautification program which included the planting of several trees, some of which are still standing. His community activism earned him the unofficial title “The Mayor ”.

“Papa” to those who knew him well, became known as a master gardener. His garden was filled with collard greens, tomatoes, and love; the more he grew the more he shared. He was an avid reader, a great listener and enjoyed coloring in his sketchbooks. Papa loved his family and always had a smile on his face. Because he was a man of very few words, when he spoke people listened.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Rebecca Hall Gass and stepmother, Katherine Edwards Gass; and his loving daughter, Pamela Katrina. Papa was one of fourteen children and was the oldest living sibling. Preceding him in death were seven brothers, John Jr., Edward, Eugene, John D., Marion, Clarence and Franklin Gass; and three sisters, Amanda Seabrooks, Gloria Paradise and Doris Spells..

Papa leaves to lovingly cherish his memory, his wife, Katherine; son, Hydrick Jr. (Sonia) of Orangeburg; granddaughter, Joi Cobbs of Columbia SC.; grandson, Corey Gass and great granddaughter Sharisse Pamela Gass of Vista, California;. three sisters, Rev. Janie Allen and Katheryn Branch of Cordova, SC; and Dr. Barbara Bowman of Orangeburg; four sisters-in-law including one who was special, Shirley Covington of Orangeburg, and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.

Th service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 18,2022 at Glover's Funeral Home from 1:00pm until 7:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 19,2022 at Unity Fellowship Community Church beginning at 11:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.