Mr. Reginald Jerome Gaither, son of the late Thomas Anderson Gaither and Alice Lee Cannady Gaither, was born on September 18, 1949 in Mocksville, North Carolina and entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Lakeside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Huntersville, NC. He graduated from Central Davie High School as a Mohawk in 1967, which was during the height of integration. Prior to his graduation, he played basketball under the guidance of Coach Clyde Studevent Jr. and sang in the Glee Club under the leadership of Mr. Buie. He also was a great drummer and played in the band throughout his high school career. Upon graduating high school, Mr. Gaither enlisted in the United States Army and served his country proudly in the Vietnam War and was honored with distinguished medals and ribbons. He later completed his service time with an Honorable Discharge. After returning to his hometown of Mocksville, he began his civilian life working at the Belt Factory and later Ingersoll Rand Company where he retired. Mr. Gaither did not stay retired long and re-entered the workforce working at Lowe's Hardware Store, where he later finally retired.

In his early years, Mr. Gaither was a member of St. John AME Zion Church and in later years became a member of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church in Woodleaf, NC and Mount Zion Community Church of Mocksville, NC, which is under the leadership of Bishop James Ijames.

He loved listening to a variety of 80's and 90's music and gospel. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and cooking for his family and friends. Whenever the family called for a Friday night Fish fry, he was always prepared to cook his famous fried fish, cole slaw and Red Lobster Cheddar biscuits. He was well known for a special signature statement "Baruka Ruk" and his one- of -a- kind dance moves. Mr. Gaither was known by many names "Daddy", "Papaw", "Reg", "Reggie", "Bleach", and "Rev Reg". He was a man with many names who never met a stranger and had a heart of gold filled with compassion for everyone.

Mr. Gaither was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Anderson Gaither and Alice Lee Cannady Gaither; brothers: Thomas G. Gaither, Fred Gaither, Melvin A. Gaither, Algeon B. Gaither, Michael J. Gaither; step-daughter, Jacinta Kimbrough; sisters: Carol L. Gaither, Gloria J. Gaither, and Stephanie K. Gaither.

He leaves to cherish his memories to his daughters: Stephanie Frost-Hernandez (Rafael) and Pamela Frost-Shirley (Shelton) of Huntersville, step-daughters Willette Eley (Alvernon, Jr.) of Concord, Robiane Morgan (Michael) of Raleigh and Terri Robinson of Burlington; two brothers: Victor Gaither (Clarrisa) of Hampton, Virginia, Pastor Julian Gaither (Dr. Krishauna) of Kernersville; three sisters: Thomasine Gaither, Doris Jimerson and Deborah Ellis , all of Mocksville, and Tomisha Gaither of Winston -Salem; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Victory Baptist Church, 160 Midway Street, Cooleemee, North Carolina with visitation at 11:00 AM prior to service time. Interment will follow at the Salisbury National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.