Rufus Jimmy Gilreath

Rufus Jimmy "RJ'Gilreath Mr. Gilreath, age 88, went to be with our Lord on Monday, February 21, 2011. He was born in Gastonia to Rufus Alexander and Roxanne Gilreath on July 14, 1922 and was the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters. He is pre-deceased by sisters, Bonnie Jenkins, Emma Bingham and Ethel Benfield as well as brothers, Clyde, Walter, Sam and Bill. He is survived by sisters Ruby Black of Gastonia and Blanch Sanders of Camden, SC. He grew up in Gastonia and worked at the Ruby Mill, Textiles, Inc. and Pneumafil Corporation, Charlotte, NC. In the 1960's he and his wife, Nell, started TSI Filtration Technologies, Inc. The company is still family owned and RJ enjoyed working part time well into his 80's. When Nell's health began to fail, he retired to spend more time with her. RJ was a loving and devoted husband. He and Nell were married for 68 years and he was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, Gail, his son, Don as well as his grandchildren Lisa Wooten, Michael Gilreath, and David Gilreath and great grandchildren Adrian Prince, Brittany Wooten, Kyla Jones, Ragan Gilreath, and Landon Gilreath all of whom live in the area. RJ was a gentle patriarch treasured by everyone as a source of strength, wisdom, compassion and generosity. He had an innovative mind and relished the challenge of solving business problems. He enjoyed activities and travels with his family, reading and Bible study and had a broad range of interest. Early in his life, he was a member of the Flint Grove Baptist Church, Victory Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church in Gastonia. After moving to Charlotte, he joined the Calvary Baptist Church and then Hillcrest Baptist Church on Belhaven Blvd. near his home. A visitation for family and friends will be held 10 until 11 am Thursday, February 24, 2011 in the family room at McLean Funeral Directors, 700 South New Hope Road, Gastonia. A service to celebrate RJ's life will be conducted by Dr. Jerald Bearden, RJ's Pastor, 11 am, Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors. Everyone is invited to attend the interment at Gaston Memorial Park on South New Hope Road immediately following the service. The family would like to thank Levine & Dixon Hospice House and staff of Huntersville, RJ's caregivers and in particular Adrian Prince, RJ's great grandson for his devotion, love and care. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to friends for their support and kindness during this period. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Gilreath.