Lawrence Dwight “Champ” Gaither Jr., 79, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at Autumn Care of Statesville following a lengthy illness.

He was born October 1, 1940, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Lawrence Dwight Gaither Sr. and Kathryn Atwell Gaither. He was a 1958 graduate of Statesville High School, where he won a state championship in wrestling, which earned him the nickname “Champ” for the rest of his life. He was retired from JC Penney Warehouse after 43 years and was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. He loved his family, playing golf, and sports, especially watching UNC Tarheel Basketball.

He is survived by a daughter, Alisa Gaither Medich (Mark) of Statesville; a son, Todd Gaither of Statesville; a granddaughter, Payton Medich of Statesville; a sister, Sandy Gaither Johnson (Ron) of Statesville; and two nephews, Brian Johnson (Susan) and Michael Johnson (Theresa).

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Brookdale Peachtree, Autumn Care and Hospice caregivers, along with the members of the Shut In Ministry at Broad Street UMC.

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County or Broad Street United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.