Gus Hardin McIntyre, 91, of Shelby, left the confines of this world and entered the realm of glory on Thursday, June 23, 2016, after a long battle with cancer.
As a veteran of World War II, he was serving in the Army Air Corp when it reorganized into the United States Air Force. Because he was young, thin and agile, and scored high on the shooting range he was chosen to be trained as a tail gunner for a B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew many missions in the tail of the plane, on his knees for long hours keeping watch on the skies for enemy planes. After his tour of duty ended, he returned home and worked as a carpenter for Colon Hamrick Construction where he built warehouses for Dover Textiles and built and/or remodeled numerous churches. After retiring from Hamrick's, he worked in the maintenance department of Dicey Fabrics. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Royal Ambassador Leader at Putnam Memorial Baptist Church for many years; he was also involved in many of the construction phases of the church's growth. Gus enjoyed fishing, playing Rook with friends, watching western programs on television, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Patterson McIntyre of the home; daughter, Debby McIntyre; a son, Terry McIntyre and wife Suzanne; grandson, John McIntyre and wife Stori; and great grandson, Keegan McIntyre, all of Shelby, NC; sisters; Jackie Greene of Shelby, NC, and Margaret Brumley of Gastonia, NC; brother-in-law; Kenneth Patterson and wife Judy of Bessemer City, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born January 26, 1925 in Cleveland County, Mr. McIntyre was the son of the late Broadie and Mary Hardin McIntyre and was preceded in death by brothers; Frank McIntyre, Dewey McIntyre, and Blaine McIntyre, sisters; Madge Turner, Ray Wright Whitaker, Helen Ervin Ellis and Thelma Gold .
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Putnam Memorial Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Bryan Glisson and Rev. Gary Marburger. A visitation will be held from 12:30 - 2:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam Memorial Baptist Church, 1146 County Home Rd, Shelby, NC 28152, or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150.
To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com
A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.