Funeral Services for Mr. Willoughby Dial Gaither , age 87 of Lineville, will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Lineville Baptist Church with Elder L. C. Harris officiating. Burial will follow at the Lineville City Cemetery.
Mr. Gaither, passed away peacefully in his home on January 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 18, 1936 in Lineville, Alabama, to Andrew Hayden Gaither and Essie Sims Gaither. Willoughby was a 1954 graduate of Lineville High School where he began driving a school bus route in 1951. He continued to transport students and LHS teams for 54 years. He owned and operated City Car Mart and served four terms as Clay County Commissioner, proudly representing District 1. He was known for his support of the Lineville Aggies and for his singing talents which he used in service to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Delta, AL, for many years as song leader. His greatest pride and joy was his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Karen Henderson Gaither, his children Roger Gaither of Isle of Palms, SC; Heather Thompson (Ricky) of Mellow Valley, AL; Amanda Lumpkin (Jeff) of Oxford, AL; Andrea Dean (Daniel) of Prattville, AL; Angela Deitch (Dave) of Niceville, FL; and 12 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gladys Campbell and Jewel Farr
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Ricky Thompson, Jeff Lumpkin, Daniel Dean, David Deitch, Trent Adams, Colby Robinson, Devin Bailey, and Jaxon Bailey will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville from 5:30-8:00 P.M. and until one hour prior to service time on Wednesday. He will lie in state at the church from 1:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M.
