Mr. Gerald Wayne Witherspoon, 86, of Rockingham, went to his heavenly reward on
Monday, December 23 while at home. A native of Richmond County, he was the son of the
late Thomas F. and Willie H. Witherspoon.

Dad, GrandDaddy, Gerald, GW, Jerry and Spoon. Gerald was known by all these names to his family, those friends who were like family, and a multitude of others. Gerald married the
love of his life, Mary Yvonne Chappell, at the age of 17 in 1955 and they built a marriage
that lasted 65 years until her death in 2020. Gerald believed that hard work was the secret to success and he diligently worked in the personal finance business, insurance industry and was a successful realtor in his later years. He and Yvonne ran several businesses that included Imperial Finance Company, Jerry's Shoes, and a Century 21 franchise. Gerald's remarkable work ethic was so much a part of his life that he continued to work until his recent retirement at the age of 86. Not only was Gerald a hard worker, but he was also known as a good neighbor, faithful friend, and generous community member. He was a member of Cartledge Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Finance Committee for many years. Gerald was also a board member for the Richmond County Planning Board, Chamber of Commerce and Hospice and served in the National Guard. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family. Gerald and Yvonne raised their sons to love God, work hard, and to help others.

His survivors include three sons, Wayne Witherspoon (Cindy) of Mooresboro, NC, David
Witherspoon (Regina) of Rockingham, and John Witherspoon of the home. Sister, Doris
Hamilton of Raleigh NC and brother, Phillip Witherspoon of Kings Mountain NC. Also
surviving are his grandchildren, Brian Witherspoon (Victoria) of Mexico Missouri, Chance
Witherspoon (Colleen) of Mooresboro, NC, April Witherspoon of Rockingham and Justin
Witherspoon (Erin) of Shelby, NC and 8 great-grandchildren Kelton, Sawyer, Miah, Graeme,
Elayna, Lily, Conner and Maggie Witherspoon.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gerald was preceded in death by two sisters and a
brother, Kathleen "Kitty" W. Hamer, Jean W. Hawkins and James Ernest Witherspoon.
Celebration of life services will be held on Sunday, December 29 at 3:00 PM at Cartledge
Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Jason Lutz officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00
PM prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Haywood Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be made to Richmond County Hospice at 1119 US
Highway #1 North in Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Witherspoon family.