Junius Robert Gaither, Jr. ( Bob) passed away at home early Sunday morning June 23, 2013. Bob was born on January 12, 1923 in Newton, North Carolina to the late Junius Robert Gaither Sr. and his wife Helen Long Gaither. Bob was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Newton having served as an Elder and a Deacon, a lifelong supporter of Newton-Conover High School, Davidson College and the St. Louis Cardinals. Bob graduated from Newton Conover High School and the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Davidson College. While at Davidson he volunteered to serve in the U. S. Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged at the end of the war as a Lieutenant JG. He returned to Davidson to complete his studies and graduated in 1947.
In addition to his wife of more than 65 years, Grace Williams Gaither, he is survived by his three sons: Hugh Gaither and wife Julie of Newton; Michael Gaither and his wife Libba Gaither; and, Andrew Gaither and his wife Maryann. Additionally, he is survived by eleven grandchildren and seven great grand children. He was preceded in death by his sister Marion Gaither Cline of Hickory. Bob was a lifelong member of the Newton-Conover Rotary club and was recently recognized with the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Memorial award in Honor of Lifetime Service above Self for 2013. He was a longtime member of Catawba Country Club. He worked his entire life at Ridgeview, Inc., serving in many capacities including President and CEO and finally retiring as Chairman of the Board. During his lifetime he was active in numerous charities in Catawba County including Love ‘n Care Day Care Center and Sipe’s Orchard Home, serving on that Board for many years. He served for many years on the Board of the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers based in Charlotte.
Bob was a lifelong and very accomplished golfer, having won a number of tournaments during his life and having a love for playing on a number of courses, but his most favorite included Catawba Country Club and Linville Golf Club. He most enjoyed golf with his family, including his wife, his sons and his grandsons.
Willis Reynolds is in charge of arrangements and the service celebrating his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday the 25th of June, 2013 at 11:00 o’clock A. M. with a receiving to follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church building fund or the charity of their choice.
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