Early Gaffney, Jr.

Early Gaffney, Jr., affectionately known as “Brother” and “Uncle Bubba”, earthly journey began on April 11, 1937, in Sylacauga, Alabama to the beloved parents of Early Gaffney, Sr. and Addie Osborne Gaffney.  He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Sylacauga, Alabama. Later in life he united with St. Stephen’s Missionary Baptist Church, La Puente, California.  Mr. Gaffney returned to Alabama and united with Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Sylacauga, Alabama.

In Mr. Gaffney’s younger years, he received his formal education in the Sylacauga City School System and attended East Highland High School, in Sylacauga, Alabama.  Shortly after receiving his education, he enlisted in the United States Army on October 27, 1954, and was stationed in Germany, where he became a 911 medic. He received the Army Occupation Medal while in Germany. He was Honorably discharged on October 10, 1956.

In 1959 he met and united in Holy Matrimony to Ms. Barbara Ann Elston, and moved to Buffalo, New York. They happily enjoyed many years of marriage, living in New York, California, and Alabama, and were the proud parents of Michael, Vanessa, Tony, Gregory, and Donald. Mr. Gaffney was employed with General Motors and faithfully worked until his retirement in 1986.

Early, Jr. loved teaching God’s Word.  He was a beloved Sunday School teacher for many years at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He also taught Vacation Bible School and Wednesday Bible Study.  He was always ready and willing to teach God’s Word!  His grandsons, granddaughters, and great granddaughter were the joys of his life. He was a doting grandpa and loved every minute of it.

Early Jr. departed this walk of life on November 25, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Early Sr. and Addie Gaffney, sister, Lola Rowe, brothers, Andrew Gaffney, John L. Gaffney, McAuther Gaffney, and Willie Joe Gaffney.

His love will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Barbara A. Gaffney; loving daughter, Vanessa McGhee; loving sons, Michael Johnston, Tony Gaffney, Gregory Gaffney, and Donald Gaffney; loving son in law, Leon McGhee; daughter in laws, Camille Gaffney, and Vivian Gaffney; loving grandchildren, Justin McGhee, Tiffany McGhee, Jonathan Gaffney, Nicholas Gaffney, and Bethony Gaffney; loving great grandchild, Reign Jarrett; Rackel Green and Nariah Little whom he loved as if they were his own grandchildren; Ronald Green whom he loved as if he was his own son; loving sister, Annie Ruth Elston; sister in laws, Francis Gaffney, and Gertrude Gaffney and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends.  

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