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

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