Jeffrey Blair Gist, 47, passed from this life at his home on Thursday, April 13, 2017. Jeff was diagnosed with cancer only a few short weeks before his death. His father cared for him at home during his illness. His final days were spent surrounded by family, friends and caregivers, all of whom he had touched in a special way during his life.
Born May 10, 1969, in Florence, Alabama, to Patricia Jordan Gist and Jerry Ray Gist, he attended Bradshaw High School where he participated in drama club and established lifelong friendships. Jeff married his first love, Belinda Hulsey on June 17, 1988. He lived many different places before settling in Hollywood, California to be near his father. He worked in the food and beverage industry where he met people from all over the world. You would often hear Jeff telling stories of the famous people that he met along the way. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards, suduko, watching college football with his Dad, and visiting the local library.
Jeff will be especially remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and, most of all, his kindhearted nature. His tenaciousness and strong-willed nature allowed him to live in diverse cultures and seek out new endeavors. Jeff had a close relationship with his family throughout his life. Jeff loved his family dearly. He had an extra-special relationship with his grandparents, aunts, and cousins.
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Jordan; grandparents, James William Jordan, James Clifford Gist , and Mary Elaine Gist; uncles, Thomas Wayne Gist, James Clifford Gist, Jr., and his great-grandparents.
Survivors include his father, Jerry Ray Gist of Hollywood, California; grandmother, Bobbie Herston Jordan; aunts, Janice Jordan Parks(Edwin), Don Jordan (Margaret), Phillip Jordan(Tabatha), and Barbara Doris Garner (Dwight). Jeff had cousins with whom he shared an extra-special bond: Jodi Davis Dunbar, Jan-Claire Miller, Christie Green (Kyle), Candace Garner (Tim Case), Scott Adams (Lori), and other aunts, uncles and cousins. Jeff also leaves behind a special friend, Patricia Von Heitman.
Special Celebration of Life and memorial service will be announced.
