Community Rallies to Help Elderly Couple Left Homeless by Christmas Eve Housefire

Support has been pouring in for an elderly couple and their two grandchildren made homeless Christmas Eve when fire destroyed their home.

The blaze broke out Saturday morning at the home of David and Kaye Gearin on Buttercup Lane in the Gumlog Community.

According to Clayton Bryant, the Franklin County Coronor on duty, the home was occupied by a retired couple, their two grandchildren, and a female guest when the fire started. The couple and two children, ages 6 & 7, were able to escape but the female guest died as a result of the fire.

The name of the woman has not been released pending verification of her identity and notification of family members.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office were called in and so far, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined.

Gumlog, Line, and Lavonia Fire Departments responded Saturday to the fire but the house and everything in it was a total loss.

According to Bryant, the home was completely destroyed and the couple and two children lost everything but their car and what they were wearing when they escaped.

All four were taken to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital for an evaluation immediately after the fire.

The Rev. Brandon Crunkleton is the pastor of Broad River Baptist Church and is spearheading an effort to help the family.

Rev. Crunkleton tells WLHR News employees at Sacred Heart Hospital were able to provide gifts for the children on Christmas Eve.  However, he said the effort to help the family continues.

“I must have gotten 100 phone calls today from people wanting to help,” he said Monday afternoon. “We received donations of clothes, food, toys, and other supplies they need until we can get them settled.”

Additionally, he said someone paid for the family’s stay at a local motel through Wednesday.

Crunkleton said the main concern now is to find permanent housing for the family.

“After Wednesday, they’re going to stay with friends in Hartwell. However, they would like to stay in Lavonia because the children attend Lavonia Elementary School,” he said.

Anyone who would like to donate items or can help with housing is asked to contact Rev. Crunkleton at 706-491-0945.

WLHR News will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.