Lawrence "Champ" Dwight Gaither, Jr.

Lawrence Dwight “Champ” Gaither, Jr., 79, of Statesville, passed away, Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Autumn Care of Statesville following a lengthy illness.

Champ was born October 1, 1940 in Iredell County and was the son of the late Lawrence Dwight Gaither, Sr. and Kathryn Atwell Gaither. He was a 1958 graduate of Statesville High School, where he won a state championship in wrestling, which coined the nickname “Champ” for the rest of his life. He was retired from JC Penney Warehouse after 43 years and was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. He loved his family, playing golf, sports, especially watching UNC Tarheel Basketball.

He is survived by a daughter, Alisa Gaither Medich (Mark) of Statesville, a son, Todd Gaither of Statesville, a granddaughter, Payton Medich of Statesville, a sister, Sandy Gaither Johnson (Ron) of Statesville and two nephews, Brian Johnson (Susan) and Michael Johnson (Theresa).

A graveside service will be held 4:00pm Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Oakwood Cemetery. Due to the covid-19 restrictions, please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Brookdale Peachtree, Autumn Care and Hospice caregivers along with the members of the Shut In Ministry at Broad Street UMC.

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County or Broad Street United Methodist Church and online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com

Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County
2341 Simonton Rd., Statesville NC 28625

Broad Street United Methodist Church
315 W. Broad St., Statesville NC 28677