Obituary of Albert W. Gwathney

Albert Wilton Gwathney, 91 born on July 19, 1929 in Plainfield, New Jersey to the late Albert Sr. and Matilda (Carter) Gwathney. He went home to be with the Lord on October 2, 2020 at his residence in Rahway, New Jersey. Albert was the oldest of five children (Beverly (Bobby), John, Joyce and Pamela) born from the union of Albert and Matilda. Albert also had two older sisters, the late Louise Boggs and Helen Carrington from Albert Sr. first marriage to Blanche (Jay) Gwathney. Albert left school at the age of 15 to join the army with several young men in his family. They lied about their ages to get in the army. They were able to serve almost 2 years in the army during WWII before their true ages were discovered and they were all dismissed with honorable discharges for time served. Before being dismissed Albert served in Germany and always spoke with pride when he would talk about the time he spent in serving his country in Germany. On February 9, 1952, Albert "Junie or Junieboy" and Catherine (Allen) were married. Albert was the father of 3 children Douglas Gwathney (wife Tammy Gwathney), Alvin W. Gwathney (wife Deborah Gwathney), and Terry A. Gwathney. Albert's testimony is that he accepted the Lord around the age of 10 but did not begin to understand that commitment until much later in life. Albert joined and was baptized at Union Baptist church sometime in the 1980s. Albert waited almost 10 years after joining Union Baptist Church to get baptized because he was concerned that he was too large for the Pastor at the time to baptize him and he did not want to get dropped. Well, that's how he told story anyway. Albert always loved gospel music and he and his friend Robert (Bob) Roseberry would travel all over to hear those famous gospel quartets. Albert also loved the preaching of the Word of God. He especially loved hearing his Pastor Rev. Buffalo preach. Whenever the doors of Union Baptist Church were open Albert was there. He loved his Church and his biggest regret after he was unable to walk was that he was not able to attend Church. That was his only real complaint even after being physical bound to a room for almost 6 years. Albert retired around 1997 as a mechanic for Union County Park Service. What many don't know is that he was a self-taught mechanic and learned his craft by spending many hours working on cars for anyone who asked. He would often spent up to 10 hours working on someone's car and often would get nothing but a thanks. He was totally satisfied with that! Later, Albert found himself mentoring young men and encouraging them to find a Church while working a part-time security job for the Elizabeth School System. Albert is predeceased by his wife Catherine, father Albert Gwathney Sr. his mother Matilda Gwathney, his sisters Louise and Helen and his brother Beverly (Bobby). Albert is survived by his, brother John, and sisters Joyce and Pamela, sons Douglas, Alvin and his daughter Terry, grandchildren LaTasha, Terrell, Tonya, Keith, Kyle and Tonya Gwathney. He is also survived by 16 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends than we dare to count. While we'll never again see Junieboy, or hear his voice in this lifetime again, his spirit will continue to live in the hearts and through the lives of those who were blessed to know and to love him. Junieboy while absent from the body is now in the presence of the Lord where there is unimaginable love, joy and comfort.