Leon Franklin Gaither, Jr., age 83, departed this life on Sunday, September 14, 2008 in Salisbury, NC. He was the son of the late Mr. Leon Gaither, Sr., and Mrs. Geneva Pryor Gaither.

Mr. Gaither attended Salisbury City Schools, graduated in 1942 from J.C. Price High School and later studied at Livingstone College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His occupational history included his work as a Pipe Fitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia prior to being called to serve in the U.S. Navy. He was also employed by the Southern Railroad Company and later worked for the North Carolina Department of Correction.

He was a member of Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church, where he served with many organizations.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arvilee P. Gaither; his sister, Emily Gaither Hunter; and special cousin Harry L. Pryor.

Left behind to cherish his memory are sons Lovett (Norma), Hampton, Va., Alton (Susie), Oklahoma City, Okla., and Leon III of the home; grandchildren Alton II, Kendra, Lovett Jr., LaTonda, Arvilee and Mackel; great-grandchildren Alexys, R'Riyonna, Domonic, Reginald and A'Nyrah; brothers James and Robert of Salisbury; special cousins Jolene Pryor Fleming (W.O.T.), Salisbury, and Lillian Pryor Williams of Gastonia; a very special sister-in-law, Elmira P. Henderson, Salisbury; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Gaither will be remembered as a pillar of the community and a father to all.

Service and Visitation: The funeral will be Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at Varick Auditorium, Livingstone College, with visitation from 12-1 p.m. Rev. Thomas D. Lee, Pastor, Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church, will officiate, with Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Calvin Miller as eulogist. Burial will be at Rowan Memorial Park.