Charles Edward “Ed” Gaither, 84, of Few Acres Lane, Harmony, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, following a brief illness at his home with his wife Cora Lee and lifelong friend John Henry Reeves by his side.

Mr. Gaither was born Nov. 29, 1931, in Statesville and was a son of the late William Guy Gaither and Elsie Richardson Gaither. He was a 1950 graduate high school. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Fiber Industries after 20 years, and then from Ingersoll-Rand. In 2016, he was honored as a charter member and for 40 years of service with the Sheffield-Calahaln Fire Department serving for 30 years as treasurer. Mr. Gaither was a lifelong member of New Union United Methodist Church serving as a Lay Servant, Sunday school teacher, and on numerous committees. He enjoyed gardening, reading, and was especially talented as a wine maker.

Survivors: his wife, Cora Lee (Vestal) Gaither; daughter, Melissa Lynn Gaither; son Alvin Joseph Gaither; and 2 stepsons, Duane Vestal and Mickey Vestal; brother-in-law, Johnny Naylor; sister-in-law, Linda Leazer (Brady); and a multitude of cousins, friends, nieces, and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by: 3 brothers, William Guy Jr., David Lawrence, an infant brother; a sister, Mary Lois Naylor; first wife, Jerleen Snider Gaither; and 2 infant sons.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec.2 at New Union United Methodist Church. The Rev. Eric Lineberry will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors and Sheffield-Calahaln Fire Department honors. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1,at Davie Funeral Service.

Memorials: New Union UMC, ATTN: Doris Dyson, 1469 County Line Road, Harmony, 28634; or to the Sheffield-Calahaln Fire Dept., 435 Dyson Road, Mocksville.

Condolences: www.daviefuneralservice.com.