Juan Carlos Gist was born on February 26, 1971, in Spartanburg, SC, to Shirley Ann Littlejohn and the late Claude Gist Jr. He was educated in the Spartanburg County school system and later worked as a Machine Operator in the textile industry. Juan was known for his fun-loving personality and his gift for conversation. A dedicated fan of the San Francisco 49ers, he took great pride in his favorite team and his favorite color, gray. He was a member of Montgomery Chapel Baptist Church but also attended Macedonia Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Gist Jr.; his grandmother, Annie "Tot" Lou Littlejohn; his grandfather, Roosevelt Littlejohn; his uncles, Wade "Russel" Gist, Clyde Littlejohn, Ben Littlejohn, and Sam Lindler; his aunt, Daisy Wallace; his sister-in-law, Cynthia Dawkins; and his grandparents-in-law, Lonnie and Melba Blakely and Harvest Gary, Sr.

Juan leaves behind a loving family and a lifetime of cherished memories. He is survived, along with his mother, by his devoted wife, April Blakely Gist of Spartanburg, SC; four beloved daughters, Whitney Parker of Greenville, SC, Daisha Littlejohn of Spartanburg, SC, Lawonda Blakely of Spartanburg, SC, and Ayana Blakely of Spartanburg, SC; brothers, Gerard Gist of Pacolet, SC, Brian Miller of Spartanburg, SC, and Leroy Evans of Chesnee, SC; sister, Utika (Garrison) Couch of Atlanta, GA and Carol Dover of Gaffney, SC; his aunt, Mary F. Littlejohn; his uncle, Thomas K. (Rachel) Littlejohn; his treasured grandchildren, Jayden Coney, DeVi'onna Fowler, and Makyias Parker; his parents-in-law, Bruce and Sheila Blakely sister in law, Samantha Blakely West; and a host of ther loving relatives and dear friends.

On Monday, March 3, 2025, Juan peacefully transitioned at Spartanburg Medical Center. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.