Claude Washington Gossett, Jr., 81, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away February 4, 2016, at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.

He was active in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, joining NATS in 1967 and was the organization's Vice President for Membership from 1992 to 1996. He taught for many years at Auburn University and was also a district governor and former SE Region Governor. He has been retired and an emeritus member for many years, but kept up with NATS.

A native of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, he was a son of the late Claude W, Sr. and Cora Collins Gossett. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sue Wilson and Mary Germany. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Corley Gossett of Athens, Georgia; one daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Mike Simmons of Athens; one son and daughter-in-law, Claude W, III and DeLeith Gossett of Lubbock, Texas; two granddaughters, Bethany Hedger and Tori Gaddis; five grandsons, Josh Simmons, Jake Simmons, Drew Simmons, Chris Gossett and Grant Gossett; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Gossett, Jr. was a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He received his master's degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Phd in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He served as Professor of Voice at Auburn University for 26 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus. He served on the Athletic Committee, served as President of the Faculty Senate and was Faculty Advisor to the Auburn University Gospel Choir.

He attended Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, and he served as Minister of Music at: Highland Avenue Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas; Friendship Baptist Church in Groves, Texas; First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Broadway Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Auburn United Methodist Church in Auburn, Alabama.

In addition, Gossett, Jr. was a member of the Lions Club, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Twin City Lodge No. 76 F and AM. He served in the U.S. Army.

The family suggests memorials be made to the 4 Little Girls Scholarship Fund at Auburn University.

Condolences can be left here.