Gladstone Trotman III
Gladstone Trotman III was born to the late Gladstone Trotman, Jr. and Ada Ruth Zellers in Harlem, N.Y. He relocated to Georgia at a young age where his extended maternal family raised him. His spiritual foundation was evident as he was an active member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Washington, GA.
Mr. Trotman III departed this life Friday, June 26, 2015 in Griffin at Eternal Hope Hospice.
Gladstone’s early education was in Lincolnton, GA where he received his diploma from Westside High School. He matriculated at Fort Valley State College/University for four years during which he was an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and founder of a college musical group “Mr. G and the Playboys.” He earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Fort Valley State. In 2000 he continued his studies; earning his MBA/Leadership from the Baker College Center for Graduate Studies in Flint, Mich.
Gladstone would meet unite in marriage with Frances Rooks in 1973; they relocated to Saint Paul, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with two children, Gladstone Brazelius and Talitha Mashawn Trotman.
Gladstone began his employment career as a Research and Development Chemist with the 3M Company, St. Paul, MN. While at 3M, he received a U.S. Patent, developed the company’s first micro-encapsulated insect control product, and was the percussionist for the 3M Music Makers. He also set up the first Black History Exhibit at the company.
In addition to the 3M Company, he was a productive employee at Essex-Dow, Hercules, Henkel of America, and ND Industries. Gladstone held various positions during his career including sales, marketing, engineer, and vice-president. He was the owner of GF Enterprises, Inc.
Gladstone was a talented musician and used his gift of percussionist in the music ministry at various churches: Sabathani and Mount Olive (Minnesota), Hartford, Blackwell A.M.E. and Grace Emmanuel (Michigan) and Second Baptist, North (Texas). In addition, he was percussionist in the Gary Hines’ group in Minnesota (which later became the “Sound of Blackness”) and the Lake Oconee Reynolds Singers.
Gladstone will be especially remembered for being straightforward and a take-charge type of person. However, to his family, there was a softer side of Christian values, love, and devotion.
Memories of him will continue in the hearts of his wife Frances of 42 years; his children and their spouses, Gladstone Brazelius and Alicia Trotman, Spring, Texas and Talitha and Luis Rios, Chantilly, Va.; grandchildren, Alana and Derek Trotman (Texas) and Alejandro and Alonso Rios (Virginia); aunt/mother, Alma (Rev. W. R.) Ferrell, Washington, GA; brother, Robert (Patricia) Trotman, Long Island, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Christine Walker, Eatonton; brother-in-law, Simon Rooks, III, Eatonton; uncle, Barney (Frances) Zellers, Lincolnton; aunt-in-law, Lucy Zellers, Washington; a special cousin/sister, Laverne (Sam) Jones, Hephzibah, GA; uncle-in-law, Samuel Clements, Eatonton, and nephew, Todd Trotman, Long Island, N.Y. There are a host of other relatives, acquaintances and friends.
A service of love and remembrance will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Griggs Chapel A.M.E. Church, 724 Griggs Chapel Road, Monticello, GA 31064; Rev. Melvin Henry, pastor, officiating.
Services entrusted to Bernard’s Family Funeral Care, LLC, 103 Willie Bailey St., Eatonton, GA 31024, 706- 485-4494 www.bernardsfamilyfuneralcare.com