Rev. Howard Eugene Gaither, 89, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2019 at Whole Life Ministries with Dr. Sandra Kennedy officiating.
Rev. Gaither was born in Bethalto, Illinois to Jake and Sylvia Richardson Gaither. He married Wilma Moody Gaither on July 1, 1950 who he shared 65 years of marriage. They lived in South Plainfield, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia before retiring and settling in Augusta, Georgia in 1992.
Rev. Gaither served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1951-1953. Following his honorable discharge, he began a long faithful career in the Paper and Pulp Industry which he began with the Alton Box Board Company in Alton, IL. He furthered his work as a Technical Associate in the Paper Coating Division at National Starch Chemical Corp. in Bridgewater, NJ and Atlanta, GA, and as a Senior Product Development Technologist at Mead Paper Corp. in Atlanta, GA. Rev. Gaither traveled throughout the country analyzing and troubleshooting the chemicals that produced paper and pulp. Because of his knowledge and expertise which spanned over 40 years, upon his retirement, he was one of the few advisors remaining who possessed knowledge of the older machinery used in the development of paper goods.
Rev. Gaither possessed a strong work ethic which transferred over into ministry as he served as a deacon at First Christian Assembly in Plainfield, NJ and as an advisor on several ministry boards in NJ, PA, and GA. Upon moving to Augusta, GA, he joined the staff of Whole Life Ministries (WLM) as the Operations Manager. In addition to working on staff, he served faithfully at WLM as the Head Usher over the Usher Ministry and as Secretary on the Whole Life Ministry Board. Rev. Gaither loved and believed in the mandate of Whole Life Ministries to change the City of Augusta by the glory of God. He and his wife tirelessly devoted many years to serving Pastor Kennedy and the church. “Mr. Howard” was never one to be on the forefront seeking recognition or praise, but instead worked quietly behind the scenes ensuring the ministry ran smoothly. He would be the first to arrive and the last to leave church services and often left family gatherings to assume his role as “doorkeeper to the House of God”.
Mr. Gaither is survived by his children, LaVonne Beale (Roger) of Peachtree City, GA, Ron Gaither of Decatur, GA, and Dee Brown (Buster) of Augusta, GA; four granddaughters, Leah Gaither of Flowery Branch, GA, Anna and Grace Felt both of Augusta, and Megan Gaither of Peachtree Corners, GA and one great-grandchild Dominic Felt VanDyke and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and three sisters Dorothy Bourland, Mildred Hamilton, and Blanche Drew.
Rev. Gaither will be remembered as a man of honor and integrity. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and a faithful friend.
If so, desired memorials may be made to Whole Life Ministries, 2621 Washington Road, Augusta, GA, 30904.
Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at; www.plattsfuneralhome.com