Who is Timmy Gosnell from Gap Creek: A Novel and what is their importance?

Timmy Gosnell is the town drunk. He comes around Mr. Pendergast's home regularly, accusing Pendergast of stealing from him. It appears that the two men once sold ginseng together, but Pendergast shorted Gosnell what he was owed. Now, Gosnell hates Pendergast, and he won't stop harassing him until Pendergast has made things right. When Pendergast dies, Gosnell turns his rage on Hank until Hank prays for the disturbed man's lost soul. After that, Gosnell doesn't bother the couple again.