Harry Thomas Runyon

Harry Thomas Runyon, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Pike County, Kentucky on November 2, 1937 and is the son of the late Fairchild Runyon and Grethal Maynard Runyon. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Ruth Chapman, May Belle Runyon, Fairchild Runyon, Jr., Della Agnes Willis, and Billy Runyon. 

Harry was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of Dallas Baptist Church.  He served his church family as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member and member of numerous committees.  He served faithfully in the caring of the house of God in its repair and upkeep. He was a master mechanic and served in the automotive industry for many years.  He finished his public career as the department head of the Automotive and Diesel program at Gaston College for over 28 years.  He trained many students who serve Gaston County in that vocation today. It brought him great pleasure to encounter former students where he would talk shop and continue to encourage them in their careers. His greatest joy came in his service to his family and friends.  Harry was faithful in the care of aging parents.  He was a devoted husband and a gracious and loving father.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him and he cherished moments with them teaching them to shoot, to drive his tractor, and how to care for their own cars.  He was known to romp in the creek with them and to freely pass along gifts of cash for the road ahead.  He is deeply loved and cherished by his family and will be missed by all of those who knew him as friend.  

Harry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Margaret Pauley Runyon; his children, Angela Hodecker and husband Greg, Reverend Tom Runyon and wife Joanna, Stephanie Riggins and husband Brian; grandchildren, whom he adored, Julia, Michael, Joey, Thomas, Anna, Meredith and Samuel; great grandchildren, Ella, Olivia, Vahn, Bjorn, and Sawyer, and several nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Dallas Baptist Church, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Dallas Baptist Church with reverend Robert Baker and reverend Tom Runyon officiating. Interment will be private for family at Cleveland Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dallas Baptist Church,402 West Trade Street, Dallas, NC  28034. 

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.