William L. "Bill" Gaither Jr., 74, of Soddy-Daisy died Thursday, May 16, 2002, at his home.
He was a graduate of Central High School class of 1944 and went on to Vanderbilt and North Carolina State University as a student in the Army Specialized Training Program. He served in Germany as a military policeman and completed his military service in 1946.
Upon returning, he entered the family business with his dad at Gaither Machine Works in Chattanooga, serving as president until retiring in 2000. Mr. Gaither was a charter member of the Chattanooga Rifle Club, serving as president, secretary, then as director of the board. He received the honor of having the club's Bullseye Pistol Range in Ooltewah dedicated to him. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, the Chattanooga Businessmen's Association, the Chattanooga Engineers Club, American Legion Post 95, past president of the Shady Grove Shores Community Club and a member of Newnan Springs United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Louis and Margaret Stewart Gaither.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Gaither; one daughter, Deborah Cate, Chattanooga; one son, James Steven Gaither, LaFayette, Ga.; four stepchildren, Martina Taylor, Ellenwood, Ga., Robert Taylor, Sharpsburg, Ga., Anthony Taylor, Villa Rica, Ga., and Dan Taylor, Stockbridge, Ga.; four grandchildren, Daniel Gaither, Calhoun, Ga., Doug Gaither, Ben Gaither and Amie Gaither, all of LaFayette, Ga.; five stepgrandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; one sister, Jean Evans, LaFayette, Ga.; several nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver, Jerry Morris.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, with the Rev. Charles Cornwell officiating.
Interment will be in Rock Spring Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4355 Highway 58, Chattanooga, TN 37416.