SANFORD — Mr. Andrew Jackson “A. J.” Gaster, 81, of 5196 Barbecue Church Road, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012 at his home.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 29, at Swann Station Baptist Church with pastor Russell Blackman officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at the church immediately following the service and other times at the home of Mandy Spivey, 92 Golden Hills Lane, Sanford.

A.J. was born in Sanford, on May 25, 1931 to Daniel Archie and Betty Cox Welch Gaster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Swann Station Baptist Church Brotherhood Mission Fund, 7592 Hwy. 87 S., Sanford NC 27332.

Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.