Bishop John Clifton Gasque, age 82, of 2022 Eichelberger Road, Gray Court, died Thursday, February 11, 2016 at his home. Born in Georgetown, SC, he was a son of the late John Wesley Gasque and Sarah Jane Davis Gasque and married to Amelia Jones Gasque. John grew up in a devoted home with Godly principles. He was converted at an early age and served at St. Paul AME Church, Sampit, South Carolina, he worked diligently as a young leader in the Sunday School and church choir. He started speaking for the Lord before age 10 and continued until his death. He attended the public schools in Georgetown County and graduated with honors from Rose Mary High School. He volunteered for the Marine Corp and served eight years. During that time he traveled extensively to places such as Germany, Japan, Korea, Hawaii and California. He was ship wrecked for hours in the Mediterranean Sea before being rescued. He attended Allen University, where he earned a BS degree in Psychology and later attended Dickerson Theological Seminary. He served as assistant to Dr. W.D. Dent for two years. He taught at Laurens District 55 High School and was employed by the Laurens County Sheriff Department. He belonged to numerous organizations such as vice president of Allen University Alumni; life member of the NAACP and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. His pastorship includes the following churches: Greater Trinity AME Church, Little White Hall, St. Phillips AME Church, Mt. Zion AME, Piney Grover AME, Poplar Springs AME and Shiloh Living Word Church. He is survived by his wife, Amelia J. Gasque of the home; one daughter, Pamela Gasque Parks of Laurens; one brother, Reverend Dr. Willie E. Gasque of Augusta, GA; three sisters, Rena Sessions, Geneva Gasque of New York City, NY and Joanna Gasque of Georgetown, SC; three grandchildren, Christian, John II and Esadora and five great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Laurens, with Dr. Jefferson McDowell and Rev. Kelly Spann officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family is at the home. Beasley Funeral Home, Laurens is in charge of arrangements.