Allen "Hobby" A. Gatton

He was born April 26, 1922, in Iredell County and was the son of the late James Archie and Luna Plyler Gatton. He grew up in Statesville and attended Statesville schools and served in Germany with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He was formerly employed by Turner’s Manufacturing and for many years at Blanton & Moore. He loved woodworking and was known for his many animal carvings, walking sticks, and various wood projects and also enjoyed fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-sister, Merle Gatton Hartline; and two brothers, Boyce E. Gatton and Marvin J. Gatton.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, C. Frances Greeson Gatton, whom he married on January 25, 1945; four sons, John A. Gatton (Brenda), George A. Gatton (Nancy), David W. Gatton (Barbara), and Mark R. Gatton (Susan Brotherton), all of Statesville; six grandchildren, Chris Gatton, Jason Gatton (Erin), Sara Gatton Hadden (Patrick), David Gatton, Makayla Gatton, and Angie Johnson (David); seven great-grandchildren, Chasity Davis, Emma Hadden, Grace Hadden, Addison Gatton, Ethan Moore, D.J. Johnson, and Alyssa Johnson; and two great-great grandchildren, Kayleigh Davis and Jadon Ellis.

Graveside funeral services celebrating Allen’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, February 11, at Iredell Memorial Park with the Rev. James White officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Iredell County Veteran’s Council Burial Detail.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Friday at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research, 3420 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Leaf HealthCare Center for their care and concern.