Pastor James Drennan

Pastor James Albert Drennan, 86, of Gastonia, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Carolina Care Center in Cherryville.

He was born on July 26, 1934, in Gaston County, to the late Howard and Fannie Brackett Drennan.

James was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Gastonia, where he also pastored for 48 years before his retirement. He pastored for 59 years and loved sharing the gospel with everyone he met. James also owned and operated a concrete business for over 30 years. He had a big heart and would do anything to help someone in need.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Imogene B. Drennan; daughter, Debbie D. Ingle; and several brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish Pastor Drennan's memories are his loving wife, Betty Louise Drennan; daughters Doricia Wright, Dana Woods (Jerry) and Tammy Conn (Peter); brother, Jerry Drennan; grandchildren, Chris Wright, Jonathan Ingle, Dustin Hodge, Shelbie Patterson, and Kasey Mackins (Carlos); great-grandchildren Laine and Kinlee Wright; step-children, Joe Bates (Reginia) and Renae Bingham (Dan); step-grandchildren, Todd Bingham and Alisa Worf; step-great grandchildren; Caleb Bingham, Kirstin Bailey, Presley, Liam and Zane Worf; and 1 step-great  great grandchild.

A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Don Mott and Pastor Quinton Thompson, will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Bethel Baptist Church – 3412 Redbud Dr., Gastonia, NC 28056.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service – 1503 S. York Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

Interment to follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church – 3412 Redbud Dr., Gastonia, NC 28056 or Gaston Hospice – PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Inc.