Kenneth B. Gaye

Kenneth Bolt Gaye of Mint Hill, NC died peacefully on June 5, 2011. He was born in Marshville, NC on September 19, 1932, to Simon Thomas Gaye and Kate Simpson Gaye. After graduating from Marshville High School in 1951, Kenneth joined the Navy where he served aboard three aircraft carriers including his pride – the USS Princeton. On November 14, 1953, Kenneth began a 57 year marriage to the love of his life, Lucy Gaddy, of Olive Branch, NC. At the end of his tour with the Navy, Kenneth began his 31 year career with Western Electric (now known as Alcatel-Lucent) from which he retired in 1987. Kenneth was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and the Derita Masonic Lodge.

In addition to his wife, Lucy, Kenneth is survived by daughter, Lisa Williamson (Don); granddaughters Heather and Tiffany Williamson; sister Clara Stamats (Bill); brother Henry Gaye (Marilene); and several nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wayne Gaye and sister, Billie Gaye Maner.

Kenneth enjoyed a blessed life which included spending many hours on Lake Norman with his granddaughters boating, skiing, and wakeboarding. He was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church and his Sunday School Class (the Bill Silver Class), who, along with Lucy’s class (the Love Class), have been lovingly supportive during his illness. In addition to his family and his church family, Kenneth spent 6 mornings a week for several years, at Bojangles with his morning breakfast group, who provided him with many hours of joy.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the staff at Carrington Place in Matthews and to the wonderful staff at Carolinas Medical Center-Main for the loving care they gave Kenneth and his family. Each one of you was a blessing to us.

Funeral services to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 1pm at Hickory Grove Baptist Church (Main Campus at 6050 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte, NC 28215) with Reverend John Harrill officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 8th from 6:30PM-8:30PM at McEwen Funeral Service–Mint Hill Chapel at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC. Interment with graveside military rites will be in Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com. Arrangements by McEwen-Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC, (704) 545-4864.