Morse Upshaw Gist

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Memorial
St. John's Episcopal Church
625 Pecan Street
Helena, AR  72342
Sunday, September 14, 2014
2:30 P. M.
Morse Upshaw GistI am a Veteran.

of Helena, AR

September 16, 1923 - September 12, 2014

Morse Upshaw Gist, Sr., of Helena, Arkansas, was born September 16, 1923, and passed away on September 12, 2014, just short of his 91st birthday, at Helena Regional Medical Center. A World War II veteran of the U.S Army Air Corps, Mr. Gist resided in Helena his entire life and was owner of Gist Music Company on Cherry Street. Throughout the years his store was a haven for professional gospel and blues musicians, simple guitar pickers, and teenagers looking for their favorite hit records.

Mr. Gist was a devout Christian, a man of great wisdom and integrity, and in every sense a Southern gentleman. He held a tremendous and deep love for his family, his church, his community, his neighbors, and an overwhelming desire to help those in need. Anyone who had the pleasure or opportunity of conversation with Mr. Gist would inevitably find themselves engrossed in a history lesson, spiritual counseling, or a simple exchange of words about car parts, new technologies, or old John Wayne movies. Mr. Gist was known for his favorite sayings: Peace be with you, See you again one day, Turn your worries over to The Lord, Do you want the long version or the short version?, Study hard and stay close to God. His favorite scripture was Romans 8:28, All things work together for good to those who love God.

Mr. Gist was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Mary Jean McCarty Gist parents Charles Heineman Gist, Sr., and Rooney Upshaw Gist, brother Charles Heineman Gist, Jr., sister Anne Gist Monday, son Charles Christopher Gist, and great granddaughters Weslee Faith Mizell and Blakely Rene Crow.

He is survived by his son Morse Upshaw Gist, Jr. (Jody), of Hot Springs, Arkansas, daughters Mary Ann Gist Mizell (Philip), of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Pamela Louise Gist (David Nace) of Great Falls, Virginia, daughter-in-law Laya Baroody Gist of Little Rock, Arkansas, grandchildren Benjamin Mizell (Sarah), Katherine Crow (Trent), Emma and Hayden Gist, Jessica, Laura, and Jeffrey Nace, and great grandchildren Charlee Kate Mizell, and Brhiannon and Charles Kimery. Mr. Gist never missed an opportunity to tell his family members how proud he was of them.

A Requiem Eucharist was celebrated on Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2014 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Helena. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Church or to those in need whom God has placed in your path.

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.

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25 Condolence(s)
Harry & Rasiland Satenstein
Reading/ Helena,
Liked
Wednesday, December 10, 2014

It has taken us some time to pen this. At each beginning It would be as if we were still speaking to Morse Sr. himself when We know this part is for his family. Confirming to you what you most likely already know. That it has been such a pure pleasure to have shared some part of your loved one's, Morse Sr's life. He was the best neighbor friend confidant advisor we will miss him. Still we know the memories that he has left will always keep him close to us. Thank you all for sharing. "He was not That Light but was sent to bear witness to That Light" john 1:8 Peace be with you!

Ben Adler
Helena, AR
Liked
Monday, September 22, 2014

I'm so sad at the passing of this Great Man & Friend. Mr.Gist had known me since I moved to Helena from Germany at age 11. I bought all my 45 records from him and wound up playing music for a living. He was an inspiration and a true friend, he will surely be missed by many. with all my love , Rest in Peace my friend , sincerely , Ben Ben

Vaughn McQuary
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 18, 2014

Morse, You and your family are in my prayers.

I am sure that if I dared to search some of the dust laden boxes in my attic I would find a 45 record purchased at Gist Music Company.

Vaughn McQuary

Tom Young
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 18, 2014

I couldn't wait to get my allowance so I could head downtown to get the latest music. Mr Gist always made you feel welcome. I can't count the hours I spent just talking about music with him. He will be sorely missed.

Anna Tschepikow Barry
Jacksonville,
Liked
Thursday, September 18, 2014

Having grown up at St Johns Church Mr. Gist was always there with his family. Always a gentleman with a gentle smile and demeanor. He
Will be missed. The empty pew......

Charlie Gervasini
Jacksonville, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 18, 2014

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Gist's passing. I went to school with his son Charles and I know they are having a heavenly reunion. Blessings to the family.

Davis Wilkins
Memphis, TN
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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

I will always remember Mr. Gist. He was a wonderful person and was always caring to me. Helena has lost a true resident. Gist music store has always been a part of my life. My mother would have me go to pick up piano lesson books for her students. To Pam and all her family, He's in your future. God bless you all.

Michele Quattlebaum
Houston, TX
Liked
Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Mary Ann, Morse, and Pam
Your dad was a wonderful man, who was loved and admired by many. My heart and prayers are out to each of you and your families.

Michele

Allen Snider
Pottsboro, TX
Liked
Wednesday, September 17, 2014

I remember as a teenager, the excitement of just browsing. I rarely had much money with me, but a music book, some guitar picks or strings, and the smell -- music stores smell different from other places. "Can I help you?"
Mr. Gist helped a magical place stay magical for me, just by being there and being who he was.
God's blessings to MaryAnn and Morse. And thanks for sharing your Dad.

Bill Crabb
Eden Prairie, MN
Liked
Tuesday, September 16, 2014

I read a wonderful article on Morse Gist Sr.
last October in Legend's American Music Magazine. It in part read, Morse Gist was “just as important as the musicians like Sonny Boy Williams II or Howlin’ Wolf.” Others describe him more simply as “legendary.” I called Helena home in my early life and knew Mr. Gist, I would agree that to the Delta Music scene he was legendary.

To Mary Ann, Morse Jr. and Pam, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your Father. He will be truly missed and I will include him in my daily prayers.
My most sincere condolences.

Bo and Jill Leslie
Palm Bay, FL
Liked
Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Gists' passing. Little did I know of the impact he had on American music when I bought my band supplies from him in the 80's.

May be time to name a stage for him at the blues fest.

Peter and Nancy Deisch
Harrison, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Mr. Morse was such a fine, sweet man. We will always remember him fondly, and our thoughts are with the family now.

Emma Newell
West Helena, AR
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

I remember Mr. Gist when my grandmother Alice Washington worked for him and his wife. Very nice man. Will be miss.

Elizabeth Henry
Hendersonville, NC
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

I'm only one of the many people who couldn't wait to go to Gist Music as soon as we had a dollar to buy the latest 45 record. He was a a landmark on Cherry Street. My favorite image of him will always be of his kind, gentle smile as he returned to his pew in St. John's after receiving Communion. His life has been a blessing to so many of us.

Alice Huskey
Tullahoma, TN
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

To the Entire Gist Family

One of Helena’s true music legends may be gone, but his memory will never be forgotten. Any youngster growing up in “the old days” rushed to Gist Music to purchase records of their favorite songs, and all of us remember Mr. Gist so well. But my fondest memories of him and your family were those of being neighbors across the street growing up when I lived in Edgewood Circle as a child, playing with the Gist and Griffey children. Mr. Gist will always be special to the people of Helena, and we will all miss him.

Alice (King) Huskey
Tullahoma, TN

Richard Hargraves
,
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

Morse was a good friend and I always enjoyed seeing him on Cherry Street. He is a local icon who will be missed.

Terri Seeman Hollowell
Nesbit, MS
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Gist- last summer I took m granddaughter to Helena and left early enough to try to catch him at the store. I needed some cork grease for my clarinet and knew he would have some. She spotted the cameras in his case and asked me if they were for sale. He said no but spent time telling her where he had used them and why they were special. She like all of us fell in love with him. Helena won't be the same without his smiling face but I know Heaven is a better place because he is there. My prayers to the family.

Buff Brothers
Helena, AR
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

Like everyone else, I knew Mr. Gist as a child going in and out of Gist Music........ but, later I began to enjoy Mr. Gist anytime we got to spend time together. He will be missed.

Steve Phifer
Bartow, FL
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

Mr. Gist was a fine man who loved music, musicians, and the people of Helena-West Helena. As someone who has made a life in music ministry and music education, I consider Gist Music Store as a primary part of my musical heritage. My condolences to his daughter, Pam, who played trumpet in my 9th grade band in the early 1970's. I still have the Gibson guitar my father bought in the 1960's. We made a lot of music with that fine instrument.

Lisa W. Clegg
Clarksdale, MS
Liked
Sunday, September 14, 2014

My sister Micki and I spent many wonderful hours in that music store growing up. We loved browsing the sheet music and all the albums for sale (and 45's, ha!). Music is still very much a part of our lives today, in part, because of Gist Music Store. God bless Mr. Gist.
Lisa Williamson Clegg

Sheila Parsley Young
Maumelle,
Liked
Sunday, September 14, 2014

A wonderful man with a wonderful family! God's blessings.

Philly Herlein Rains
Harrison,
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Sunday, September 14, 2014

The world has lost one of its finest, but Heaven is a brighter place.

Thank you for being the perfect example of what a good man should be. You were so loved and we will miss you.

Sending love to the Gist family.

Elaine Canady
Helena, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 14, 2014

When I was a teenager I got the bright idea that I wanted to learn to play the guitar. Gist Music Co is where I bought the guitar. Mr Gist was so sweet and I was so fascinated going in there. He will be sorely missed.

Theresa Marshall Carmichael
Nlr, AR
Liked
Sunday, September 14, 2014

You will truly be missed!...I know that our Father makes no mistakes....You will never be forgotten because you was love by so many young and old!...Rip

Mayer Family
baton rouge, LA
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Saturday, September 13, 2014

The lord got a true Southern Gentleman today. Morse was the best. Clarence , Jim ,Diane,Maxine ,Ruth, Marla, Caren & Adam. The family are in our thoughts and prayers.