Notable Gaston County figures remembered from 2015 losses
Evelyn Withers devoted 50 years to vocational education in Gaston County Schools and taught Sunday school for over two decades. Rebecca Williams near 40 weeks pregnant died after a wreck, with newborn Riley surviving only hours. Tim Biggerstaff, longtime WLON WCHS WCSL announcer, benefited from a donor kidney in 2004 and was praised as a born entertainer. Martin D Amore, radiologist and ALS activist, succumbed at 48 after ALS, inspiring caregiving workshops. Helen Turner, “The Hat Lady,” 76, longtime Boy Scouts worker and Gaston County columnist. Feemster, star athlete and E Z Parking cofounder, died at 48 after a career in sports and business.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Evelyn Withers
Gaston County
Rebecca Williams
Riley
Tim Biggerstaff
WLON
Lincolnton
WCHS
Shelby
WCSL
Cherryville
Martin D'Amore
Lou Gherig
Joe Martin
ALS Foundation
Helen Turner
The
Gazette
Boy Scouts
Feemster
Bessemer City High School
Charlotte
Appalachian State
E-Z Parking
Local residents remembered for service and sacrifice in 2024 notices
Pam Massey 66 longtime BellSouth worker and county volunteer who wired every school for Internet and served on United Way and arts boards. Foy Watson 71 veteran Gastonia Fire Department assistant chief, praised by former Chief Murray for integrity. Franz Holscher 94 WWII B-24 gunner and Gastonia High School coach who rose to Thurston Motor Lines CEO. Joey and Michelle Dunlap 36 killed in western North Carolina motorcycle crash while en route to a Shriners convention. The couple chaired Zion Baptist Church of Cherryville involvement and charity work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pam Massey
BellSouth
Gaston County
Firestone Wesleyan
United Way
United Arts Council
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Gaston Together
Foy Watson
Gastonia
Robert Murray
Franz Holscher
Yugoslavia
Thurston Motor Lines
Joey
Michelle Dunlap
Shriners
North Carolina
Bessemer City
Zion Baptist Church of
Cherryville
Santa Claus and community figures honored in Gaston County
A portrait of local figures from Gaston County includes Timothy Bingham as Santa for charity runs and nursing home visits, plus July 5 accountant Lamar Baker guiding Cramerton on boards for 16 years. Destiny Stafford, a 15-year-old Stuart W. Cramer student, gains DestinyStrong support after a horse accident. Scotty Chastain, a 25-year sheriff’s office veteran, dies in a tractor accident near Sylva. J A Dalpiaz, 83, philanthropist businessman linked to Boys & Girls Clubs and local GOP politics dies. Destiny Strong rally echoes community resilience.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Timothy Bingham
Santa Claus
Gaston County
Freightliner
Destiny Stafford
Stuart W. Cramer High School
Scotty Chastain
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
Sylva
J.A. Dalpiaz
Dalpiaz
Greater Gaston
Gaston College
Noon Optimist
Also Mentioned on This Page
Kevin Elliskellis
Danny McBee
Food Lion
Sam's Club
Dallas
John Derr
the Gazette
CBS Golf
Pinehurst
Lamar Baker
Cramerton
Samantha Kay Thomas
Julius “J.A.” Dalpiaz
Thomas
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