John David Gaither

Mr. Gaither was born September 16, 1954, in Statesville and was the son of the late Newton Sankey “Buster” Gaither, Jr. and Ila Chambers Gaither. He was a graduate of North Iredell High School (1972), Mitchell Community College (1974) and Appalachian State University (1976). He was co-owner of Harmony Milling Company and Iredell Building Company. He was a life-long member of Harmony United Methodist Church, former member of Harmony Volunteer Fire Department where he was a past treasurer, former President of the Statesville Jaycees, and Key Club President at Mitchell Community College. David enjoyed his family and friends, hunting, golf, ASU football and his dog, Buster. He will be remembered for his kind nature, sense of humor, and warm smile.

David is survived by one brother, Newton Sankey “Buddy” Gaither III and sister-in-law, June Gaither, of Harmony; a very special friend, Linda Babb, of Statesville; a nephew, Thad (Nichola) Gaither of Olin; a niece, Celeste Gaither (Garrett) Ball of Clemmons; three great-nieces; and two great-nephews.

Funeral service celebrating David’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Harmony United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Handy officiating. Burial will follow in the Harmony Town Cemetery.

George Chambers, Dale Owenby, Dale Rankin, Alan Sloan, Tom Stroud, and Travis Wilhelm will service as active pallbearers. Dwight Ashley, Danny Babb, Johnny Holland, Roger Pennell, and Robert Rankin will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Wednesday at the church prior to the service and at other times at the home of Buddy and June Gaither.

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

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Harmony United Methodist Church, 136 W. Memorial Highway, Harmony, NC 28634.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Autumn Care of Statesville, Brian Center of Statesville, and Iredell Memorial Hospital and to Dr. James S. Foushee and staff for their compassionate care and concern.

Reavis Funeral Home of Harmony is entrusted with the arrangements.