R. Edgar Gatton

Mr. R. Edgar Gatton, 89, of Fairmount Road, Statesville, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014, at Gordon Hospice House. He was born May 29, 1924 in Iredell County. He was the son of the late R.E. Gatton, Sr. and Lelia Frazier Gatton. He was a graduate of Harmony High School and he served his country during WWII and was stationed in Europe. On November 16, 1946 he married Dorothy Lee Sharpe Gatton, who preceded him in death on June 11, 2012. He was a member of Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church and was retired from J.C. Steele and Sons. Fondly known as "Slick", he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Gatton was also preceded in death by a brother, Jack Gatton and two sisters, Stella Bell and Peggy Baker. He is survived by one son, Edwin R. Gatton of Greensboro and one daughter, Deborah G. Park of Statesville. He is also survived by three grandsons, Nelson R Gatton (Julie) of Huntersville, Christopher Scott Gatton of Cary, NC, and Matthew G. Park (Jessica) of Statesville along with one granddaughter, Jennifer K. Park (Dominic) of Statesville. He is further survived by two great-grandsons, Colby S. Park and Bryson C. Brown and a sister-in-law, Bettie Gatton, all of Statesville and a brother-in-law, Gilbert and Nellie Sharpe of Hiddenite. One nephew, Dale Bell and one niece, Shelby Garity also survives. A graveside funeral service for Mr. Gatton will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2014, in the Mt. Sinai EMC Cemetery with Rev. David Walters officiating. A memorial service will be conducted 11:00 am Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Mt. Sinai Evangelical Church, 306 Fairmount Road , Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of R. Edgar Gatton.