John E. Gaither Obituary (1922 - 2017)

Mr. John Gaither, 94, finished his final race on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, and went home to be with Lord at the Glade Valley Center, Walkersville, MD. John was born on October 5, 1922, in Laytonsville, MD, to the late Helen and George Gaither; and was the husband of Patricia Hill Gaither. He was the last member of his immediate family. John received his education in the Montgomery County School System. He joined the US Army in March 1943 and was honorably discharged in August 1945. He was known as Mr. Gaither, John, Johnny, and Mr. Stitches. Johnny was often spotted cruising around town in "Mr. Stitches", the name he gave his 1931 Ford Coup. If you liked the Drag Strip Scene you would often find him on the weekends at the 75 & 80 Drag Strip racing Mr. Stiches, a sport that he loved and won many Trophy's for. In the early 60's he and Rubin Burnett opened and operated the B & G car wash & upholstery shop on West All Saint St. After some years he opened his own upholstery shop at the rear of his home at 229 W. South St., and maintained the name of B & G. He specialized in automobile upholstery. John operated the shop until his retirement. He was also a co-owner of Wings and Things, a carry out restaurant that operated for several years on West All Saint Street. He was a member of Mountain City Lodge # 382, Frederick County Street Rods, Earth, Wheel, and Fire Motorcycle Club, and was a founding member of the Road Knights Car Club. John was a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church for over 50 years. He served on the Trustee Board and attended church regularly until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Besides his wife he leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Vanessa Gaither-Barnette (Alton) and Nicole Gaither-Harbison; son, Eric Johnson; stepson, Barrington Hill (Hope); one daughter in-law, Janet Gaither; longtime friends, William "Wickie" Bowie, Andy Sewell, and Dale Grimm; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Candice Gaither-Benn; and two sons, Lamont "Jackie" Gaither and Gregory "Greg" Gaither. Please click the following link, https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-for-john-gaither or call the funeral home at (301) 662-5520 to donate. Tha Gaither Family