Carroll Gaither

Carroll Ray Gaither, 85, of North Little Rock passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013. He was born June 19, 1927 in Melbourne, Ark. to George and Letha Hamm Gaither. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and farmed before moving to St. Louis where he worked for Emerson Electric. It was there he first became a union member. Returning to Ark. he trained to become an electrician which inspired 3 generations of electricians. Employed by AMF, he joined the United Steelworkers of America serving as treasurer, vice president, and president. In 1969 he went to work as Labor Coordinator for the United Way of Pulaski County until his retirement in 1984. Carroll was President of the Central Arkansas Labor Council for 4 terms. A keen interest in politics led to a lifetime of service to his city, county, and state. He served on the Pulaski County Quorum Court for 3 terms, 6 years on the Civil Service Commission of NLR in addition to the Board of EOA, Health System Committee and The Lions Club. He was a member of NLR First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years Joan Gaither; grandson, Michael Gaither; siblings, Joyce Gaither, Ruth Love, and Paul Gaither. Cherishing his memory are his children, Joetta Jackson (Keith), Shelby Gaither (Mary) and John Gaither (Lela); grandchildren, Shelley Moore, Bradley Jackson, Michelle Gaither-McClain, Rebecca Gaither, Amanda Gaither and Kayla Gaither; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Callie Moore; sister, Mary Lou Montgomery; and special friend, Neva Wayman. A celebration of Mr. Gaither's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday April 26th, 2013. In the chapel of Griffin Leggett-Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, north Little Rock ( 501 835-3515) with Rev. Brent Higdom officiating.