Stewart Funeral Home, Inc. | Heath Springs, SC

Obituary For Reverend William Belton Gaither

Reverend William Belton Gaither, 78, departed this life on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. He was born on February 18, 1944, to Josephine James Gaither and the late Felmon Tate Gaither Sr. in Liberty Hill SC.

Reverend Gaither received his early religious training in the Messiah Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., where he served in the capacity of Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Choir Member, Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder, Moderator of the Session, and lastly as the Lay Minister, providing pastoral leadership to the congregation. He continued to ‘work’ in God’s ministry through the Presbyterian Church until one month to his demise.

Reverend Gaither’s educational journey began in the Kershaw County School System. He continued his post-secondary education when he enrolled and matriculated at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. In 1967, he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education. He is a graduate of the SC Presbyterian Lay School of Theology, with a diploma as a Lay Pastor.

Reverend Gaither was blessed to acquire Colonial Florist in Camden, SC, where he provided a full range of services, including floral arrangements for all occasions, catering for weddings and anniversaries, tuxedo rentals, contract services for videographers and photographers, ordering wedding announcements and accessories, special holiday decorations for homes and businesses. He started a second career with the South Carolina Employment Security Commission in Columbia, SC, working as a supervisor until his retirement in 2015.

Reverend Gaither engaged in several fraternal and masonic organizations. While attending Johnson C. Smith University, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rho Chapter. He served as a representative for ΏΘΦ’ on the Pan-Hellenic Council (the Divine Nine). After relocating to South Carolina in 1970, he became affiliated with the Chi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in Camden, SC.

Left to cherish his memories are his mother, Josephine Gaither of the home; three sisters, Gwendolyn G. (Leon) Cunningham, Heath Springs, SC, Ann G. (Timothy B) Cureton, Lancaster, SC and Dannette Gaither (Ted) Norwalk, CT; one brother, Mack ‘Butch” Gaither (Carla), New Carrollton, MD and one aunt, Margaret J. Stover, Charlotte, NC.

Funeral Service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2002, at the Mount Moriah Baptist Association Center 3045 John G. Richards Road, Camden SC. Burial will be in the Messiah Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Cemetery.

Viewing will be Friday, October 21, 2022, 3:00 -6:00. Individual final rites rituals will be performed by Omega Psi Phi, Booker T. Washington Consistory #225, and Sons of Liberty #148 from 6:00 -8:00 at Stewart Funeral Home.

Guest Book

My deepest condolences to the Gaither Family. William was a true friend and co-worker. Ira K. Scott

- na

Condolences to the Gaither Family from the Pickett Family.

- na

Our deepest condolences to the Gaither Family. Canty and Turner Families (Atlanta, GA).

- na

Our condolences to the family. Cousin William will be missed. James and Carter Families of Charleston.

- na

Praying for your family and friends, you touched so many lives in a positive, inspiring way and was loved by us all , Heaven has a beautiful angel. From Skeet Scott and family

- na

Praying for your family and friends, we all love you and the kindness , inspiration, and love you shared with all you met . Blessed to have had you in our lives . From Skeet Scott and Family always in our heart

- na

William...the family historian... always had a little bit more to add to the history...let you chew on it...then give you some more..glad my kids got to meet him and they do have memories "you mean the one with the gerrycurl?" RIP cous. The Peterkins of Charleston SC

- na

On visits with my Grandparents in Liberty Hill SC, I would often see William. He was warm, caring and always had the most beautiful smile. May memories of his love bring you peace now and always. Betty J. Simpson & Family

- na

We thank God for Rev Gaither for his awesome serve of during our wedding . He was a wonderful person wouldn't want no one else, we thank Him . He will truly be missed, a Godly man. We pray the family has peace and comfort during this time and time to come. Love Earl and Bertha Bynum

- na

Condolences and prayers to the Gaither Family. Linda Palmer

- na

-

Beyond the temporary physical man on the outside, there is a spiritual and eternal man on the inside. The flesh meets its demise and is buried., all praise be to the Father, the spirit lives forever with GOD. When our love ones transition, there is naturally an element of sorrow. Because we Really Care and are Concerned about Mr. Gaithers' immediate family, church family, colleagues and acquaintances we offer our sincerest of condolences and deepest of sympathies, now and throughout your bereavement. Donna R. Harris and Family of Lugoff, SC.

- na

My sister, Elaine Gaither-Phillips and I would like to express our sympathy to the family. Cousin William was the Gaither family historian. We are Blessed for light he shined on our family. Love, Cardelia Gaither

- na

I deeply send my condolences to the family with all my heart. God bless🙏🙏🙏

- Derrek butler

Sincerest condolences to the family of Rev. Gaither. May God bless you all during your time of bereavement. Deacon Jora Thompson Bethlehem First United Presbyterian Church USA of Mcconnell's S.C.

- na

Rev. William Gaither and I worked for many years together in Providence Presbytery. William was a staunch advocate of the Racial Ethnic Concerns Committee, now the Committee for Religious and Racial Reconciliation. He was dedicated to the ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and to his beloved Messiah. William will be greatly missed.

- na

With Deepest Sympathy. The Clark Family 843 Hwy.1 North,Cassatt,South Carolina 29032

- na

It's with heart felt sadness to here of cousin William passing. It was always a joy to be in his company at our family reunions. His deep knowledge and sharing of our family history was exceptional he will be missed. Prayer for God's comforting the family. BAYE'

- na

We are saddened with the news of Rev. Gaither's passing. May he rest in peace in the perpetual light of God's heavenly grace. We were blessed with his kindness and care for others. He did much for Camden and so many of our people. He will be missed, but not forgotten by all knew him. God's Peace for the family this time. Ann Hagan and John Carmichael

- na

To the family for Rev. William Gaither. You have my deepest condolences. I remember Rev. Gaither from working with him during his time in the NAACP. I pray God's blessing and comfort for all of you now and in the days to come. Keeping all in prayer.

- na

I am so sorry to hear of William's passing. William and I worked together at the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, Columbia UI Local Office, for years. He was very caring and always had the claimants best interest at heart. William was gifted in many ways, always willing to assist. My sincere condolences to William's family. Jackie Brown, Hopkins,SC

- na

May God continue to comfort you and hold you in His care. Continued prayers for Rev. Gaither's family during this difficult time...Zandra Nichols

- na

May God Bless and keep the Gaither family in the palm of his hands. ~LaShella Kirkland

- na

Sending our deepest condolences to the entire Gaither family, Love Bill and Rena mae Thompson

- na

May God be with you and give you comfort during your time of bereavement. Janice Gaither Benbow & Family (FCSD)

- na

My sincere condolences to my family💔💔💔

- na

God bless and my deepest condolences to the family. Praying for strength in the days to come. Ida Cunningham

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stewart Funeral Home, Inc. | Heath Springs, SC