Joe Walker Gaither, Sr.

Mr. Joe Walker Gaither, Sr., 82, of Huntersville, passed away Monday, May 30, 2016, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, following complications of a stroke.

Mr. Gaither was born in Iredell County on November 8, 1933, and was the son of the late Marvin Frederick Gaither and Margaret Morrison Gaither. He grew up in the Wilkesboro Rd. area of Statesville, and was a graduate of Scotts High School, and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Mr. Gaither was Owner and President of Southeastern Exterminating Co., Inc. He had served as a Regional Director of the NC Pest Control Association, was a member of the Duck Creek Gun Club where he served as past president, and also the past chairman of Iredell Friends of the NRA. He loved the outdoors, beings a Sportsman, Collecting and people.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eldest son, Joe. W. Gaither, Jr., a sister, Betty G. Putnam along with two brothers, Fred Gaither, Jr. and James R. Gaither, Sr.

He is survived by his former wife, Gail Poole Gaither of Winston-Salem; two sons, Rev. John B. Gaither (Nathaile) of Hillsborough, NC and Steven K. Gaither (Mary Grace) of Huntersville, and two daughters, Pam G. Burgess (Thom) of Concord, NC and Ann G. Teague (Mark), of Charlotte. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy K. Gaither of Durham, NC, 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Joe Gaither, Sr. will be conducted 3:00 PM Thursday, June 2, 2016, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Thant McManus and Rev. Jeff. O. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Iredell County Veterans Council Burial Detail. Following Interment, Friends and Family will gather at the Statesville Elks Lodge, 1251 Radio Rd, Statesville, for a Celebration Reception. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at Nicholson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, 1131 Harding Pl, Charlotte, NC 28204. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Joe Gaither, Sr.