Henry B. Gaye, 88, passed away on June 6, 2017 at Autumn Care.  He was born in Union County on July 31, 1928 to the late Simon Thomas and Kate Simpson Gaye.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Susan Gaye Philemon and his siblings: Billie Gaye Maner, Kenneth Bolt Gaye, and Paul Wayne Gaye.

Henry founded Gaye Plumbing Company Inc. in Marshville.  As his business career expanded in1965 he opened Gaye Chevrolet, and served as President until his retirement.  Henry served on many local boards within Union County, and further supported the area with his belief that banks helped a community to grow.  Commerce, he reasoned, would improve the lives of his neighbors, and community lending was important to local business providing jobs.  He also served on the Board of Security Bank and Trust, keeping his community in mind and providing a local voice for lending. He was a Master Mason and was a loyal and faithful member of Beaver Dam Masonic Lodge #276 AF&AM for over 50 years.  Henry understood the importance of education, and the role it played in strengthening the community.  His service to Wingate University spanned many years, and he was always quick to express his pride in the quality of education the University provides.  He was honored as a Wingate University Lifetime Trustee.  He served as a Director of Monroe-Union County Chamber of Commerce, and in 1998 was named Union County Man of the Year.  Henry was a founding member of the Marshville Rotary Club.  He received The Paul Harris Award from Rotary International, as well as receiving the Distinguished Rotarian Award from the Marshville Rotary Club for the year 2015-2016.  Henry served as a Director on the General Board of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.  Central in Henry's life was serving his Lord as a Deacon at Union Grove Baptist Church of Marshville.

Funeral Services will be 2pm Sunday the 11 ^th of June, 2017 in the Chapel of Morgan & Son Funeral Home with Full Masonic Rites.  Interment will follow in the Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will greet friends following the service.

Henry is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marilene Helms Gaye.  Two daughters: Mrs. Kathy (Larry) Staton of Indian Trail, and Ms. Jeannie G. Perry of Marshville.  His sister; Mrs. Clara Stamats of Jacksonville, NC.  Henry is also survived by three grandchildren: Monica S. (Eddie) Schildt, Bryan (Marti) Perry, and Stephanie Perry (Ryan Degroot).  Great-grandchildren: Sebastian Haywood, Addison Schildt, Austin Schildt, Bethany (Jim) Williams, Will Perry, and Jenna Perry.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Autumn Care of Marshville, for the excellent care he received during his stay.

The family has requested memorials be made to:

Union Grove Baptist Church, 2506 Old Lawyers Rd., Marshville, NC 28103

Online condolences may be made at www.morganandsonfuneralhome.com

Morgan & Son Funeral Home of Marshville is in charge of arrangements.