John Abel Ormand Jr.

John Abel Ormand, Jr., a lifelong resident of Gaston County, died from complications of age-related issues on Saturday April 1, 2017. John was married for 67 years to Jennie Delle Oates Ormand who survives with their daughters Beth Kiser (John) and Lou Bingham (Craig). He also is survived by grandsons Patrick Kiser (Krista) and Will Kiser (Amy); great-grandchildren Jack, Matthew and Ella Kiser. John was preceded by his parents John Abel Ormand, Sr. and Sadie Boyd Ormand, sister Lida Whitehurst and brother Lewis Ormand. John was blessed with many friends and relatives. Born on April 25, 1929, John grew up on the land that was part of his family for generations in the Lewis Farm Road community. He was baptized at Long Creek Presbyterian Church. He and Jennie Delle were married at Pisgah ARP Church in Gastonia where he became an active member. John was named Elder Emeritus of Pisgah where he served as Officer and Church School teacher for over 60 years. He graduated from Bessemer City High School and attended Presbyterian College. John worked as a young man at Sunrise Dairy. His primary working career began at Ideal Industries (Warner Swasey). After retiring from Warner Swasey, he worked at Farris Fab in Bessemer City. John loved all things that grow and live on our Earth. He enjoyed growing orchids in his greenhouse. He was an avid sportsman. His family and friends spent countless hours on the water and in the woods enjoying his company, learning how to be good hunters and fishermen, always taking care of nature. John was one of the founding members of the Chapel Grove Volunteer Fire Department where he served as fireman and officer. He loved his country and was concerned about our future and proud of our past. John was known for his dedication to his family and his faith. He was a good and honorable provider for his family and servant for his church. He can be remembered with memorials to Pisgah ARP Church, 3600 Linwood Road, Gastonia, NC. 28052. A funeral service, to celebrate John's life will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Pisgah A.R.P. Church, Gastonia, with Rev. Rick Lewis officiating. Interment will follow Pisgah A.R.P. Church Cemetery The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:45 am prior to the service at the church.