John Freeman Gaylord, Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 following a period of declining health, which began shortly after the loss of his beloved wife, Patricia in September 2018. Born on May 27, 1931 in St. Pauls, NC, John was the only child of Rita and John F. Gaylord.
As a boy, John moved with his family to Charlotte where he would reside for the majority of his life. He enjoyed an active childhood until contracting Polio, which he fought valiantly and successfully with the strong encouragement of his mother as well as with the assistance of his physical therapist, Leonard Clemmer. Mr. Clemmer would subsequently become his gymnastics coach, mentor, and lifelong friend. John went on to play football as a starting fullback for the University of North Carolina. He suffered a cervical spine fracture in his senior year and again met the challenges of recovering from a potentially devastating injury. John thrived on adversity, developed a lifelong commitment to physical activity, and developed a fierce toughness, which helped him succeed in all aspects of life.
He first met Patricia Moeller, who would become his wife, while in elementary school and admired her for running track (at a time when physical activity was uncommon for young ladies). They reconnected and began dating when both attended Charlotte Central High School. They eloped in 1952 while Patricia was at Duke University and John was at UNC.
Following his graduation from UNC, John served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. He became a thrice-decorated expert fighter pilot, including flying the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (the speed of which earned him his Mach 2 card that he carried with pride for the rest of his life). His experience as a fighter pilot included participation in the Berlin Corridor Crisis as well as in undeclared combat with Soviet fighters over North Africa during the early 1960s. While in the Guard, John became a successful salesman for the TEREX division of Caterpillar and later sold Cessna Aircraft. He remained an avid pilot until later in life, last participating in his 60s in mock air combat drills. His love of speed and acceleration continued on the ground with his first Corvette and then transitioned to racing Porsches in Sports Car Club of America events. He loved Porsches and continued to drive them for the rest of his driving career.
The toughness derived from physical challenges, his aptitude in business, and his desire to improve the treatment of cervical injuries led him to create Medical Specialties Inc. in 1960. He grew the company into a successful international supplier of a wide line of high quality orthopedic soft goods, which continues to set standards for the industry today.
As a father, John Gaylord set an example of honesty, hard work, loyalty and accountability. He worked hard to help his sons develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually, and subsequently became the patriarch of his extended family. He will always be remembered for his generosity and fierce love of family.
John enjoyed competitive sailing at the Carolina Yacht Club and remained a member there the rest of his life. He also enjoyed sailing with his sons. His other loves included his dogs, walking on the beach with Patricia, and later in life sitting in his hanging chair with a glass of Chardonnay while watching the sunset from the south deck of the family home in Wrightsville Beach.
John is survived by three sons, John Freeman Gaylord, III (Dottie) of Roanoke, VA, Eric “Rick” Gaylord (Lisa) of Marshville, NC, and Scott Gaylord (Leslie) of Weddington NC; as well as six grandchildren: Nicole Gaylord Merlo (T.J.) of Wilmington, NC, Eliza Gaylord (Ryan Samuel) of San Francisco, CA, Ashley Gaylord of New York, NY, Alex Gaylord of Marshville, NC, Allie Gaylord of Roanoke, VA, and Michelle Gaylord of Weddington, NC.
The family would especially like to acknowledge and thank Sochil Perez, who provided unwavering physical and emotional support over many years, which allowed John to remain in his home until the end.
A small service will be held for family members only.
The family suggests memorials to the following organizations: Alzheimer’s Association and/or Humane Society of Charlotte.
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