Walter King Gladden

Walter King Gladden of Mint Hill, NC, went home to be with the Lord on March 23, 2012. He was born May 29, 1915, the son of the late Lorenzo Holland and Alice Gladden. He grew up on a farm with five brothers and six sisters. Walter's dad died when he was nine years old, so he learned at an early age that survival depended on hard work. He farmed and sold firewood to residents of downtown Charlotte until he ventured into the building business.

As a building contractor since 1950 and owner of W. K. Gladden Construction Company, he developed several subdivisions in Mecklenburg and surrounding areas. He was dedicated to building quality homes and assisted many people in securing their first loan.

Walter helped open numerous businesses, allowing others to achieve and enjoy the same success he had experienced.

His passion (other than his work), was auto racing. Over a period spanning nearly twenty years he owned and sponsored several race cars competing locally and in the NASCAR Grand National, Grand American and Grand Touring Series. He was a Charter member of the Speedway Club in Charlotte, never missing a race there, until he was no longer able to attend.

Walter was a former member of Wilson Grove Baptist Church where he served as Trustee, on the Board of Deacons and Building Committees. Since 1985 he has been a dedicated member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church also serving as Trustee. Walter also served on the Board Of Directors of American Bank and Trust Co.

He leaves a legacy of love, generosity and success that will serve as an example and be cherished by his family and friends. He was a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Helen Reid Gladden; children: Jeanette Williams (Larry), Barbara Tull (Reid), Becky Price (Therrel), and Mark Gladden (Rhonda); four grandchildren: Kevin Tull (Wendy), Kelly Shelley (Eric), LaNette Crowe (Rocke), and Christopher Price; seven great-grandchildren: Jenna and Brynn Shelley, Caroline and Caden Tull, Daniel, Melody, and Ryan Crowe; sister, Kathleen Phillips, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Gladden was predeceased in death by his first wife, Margaret Cochrane Gladden; parents; brothers: Emmett, John, Arthur, Ezzelle, and Holland; sisters: Loma McCall, Mamie Peeler, Inez Foard, Leola Benfield, and Collie Benson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Marc Harvey, nurse, Lynn Aydlett and caregivers: Judy Gaston, Amy Ferrebee, Kathy Purser and Ann Austin.

Friends will be received from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday, March 25, 2012, at McEwen - Mint Hill Chapel. A service to celebrate the life of Walter King Gladden will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, with Reverend John Harrill and Reverend Henry Ward officiating.

Memorials may be made to Mint Hill Fire and Rescue at P. O. Box 23065, Charlotte, NC 28227 or Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215.