Paul Edward Gaither of Pembroke Pines, aged 85, died yesterday at home after a short illness surrounded by his children, grandchildren and loved ones.
Paul is survived by his five children: Timothy, James, John, Barbara and Thomas as well as his 7 grandchildren Timothy, Therese, Tiffany, Kirstie, Michael, David and Amber.
Paul was born in Etowah County, Alabama near the small town of Hokes Bluff.
Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 as an aircraft propeller mechanic. He was attached to the 1742nd Air Transport Squadron, West Palm Beach FL. His unit was tasked with maintaining the complex propeller system of the C-124 Globemaster II’s providing airlift services during the Korean War. After obtaining the rank of Staff Seargent, he lead his own maintenance teams in support of USAF aircraft throughout the United States and Caribbean. It was during this time that Paul received his pilots license, and married his sweetheart Sara (Sally) Jones.
After honorable discharge from the USAF, Paul moved his family to Miami, Florida to begin working for Propeller Service of Miami one of the largest propeller overhaul and maintenance facilities in the world at that time. Mirroring his military experience and as a recurring testament to Paul tenacious and industrial nature, he rose quickly through the supervisor and management ranks to eventually come to own the business less than 11 years later. Paul was a prolific entrepreneur, opening and running over twenty businesses in the South Florida area.
He and his wife Sally purchased their vacation home in the Florida Key’s in 1978 and enjoyed many sunny days catching fish with the children.
A Public Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Prayer Service with Tributes Of A Lifetime beginning at 4:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Vista Memorial Gardens and due to COVID-19 Pandemic, will be limited to family only.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to his church: Bible Baptist Church, 7 SW 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027.
Services entrusted to: Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Vista Memorial Gardens
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Mary M Plunkett
September 24, 2021, 7:42 am
Paul was a friend of ours for many years. When we first met Paul and Sally our children and theirs wee young kids. Over the years we remained friends and got together once in awhile to keep to touch. When we reflect on the memories made it will bring smiles to our face. He was a kind person and we are saddened by his passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our
Deepest Sympathy to all his loving family.
Gene and Margie Plunkett
Helene
September 24, 2021, 10:18 pm
Paul was a wonderful father/father in law and grandfather. He was always kind to me and I remember fondly those trips to the Keys that me and later his 1st grandchild Therese would have. There was always good times. RIP Paul and give big hugs and kisses to Sally.
Helene
Linda Gaither Fager
September 25, 2021, 5:42 am
I will miss Paul Edward…that smile was always there! My childhood memories include so many times with him…the time the bull chased me! When he removed the steps on the tree when Patricia and I invaded his tree house and we were stuck! When my Daddy gave him horseradish to taste! When he took me to school on his motorcycle…I was the IT GIRL all day at school! All our family reunions at Judy’s house for Thanksgiving for the last umpteen years! We grew up cherishing family…I am glad families are forever…that is going to be a reunion for eternity!!! But until then…I will miss him so much…..