Donald Gaither

His family called him ‘Cookie Monster’, his friends called him “Baby D’, and his co-workers called him Gaither. It did not matter what you called him; everyone knew he was special…..a special son, a special brother, a special husband, a special father, a special friend. He was a very special man of God! Donald Arnold Gaither was born on July 4, 1950, to the late James, Sr. and Ernestine Gaither. He attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from C. L. Harper High School as a member of the class of 1968. He was also a member of the marching band. After high school he enrolled at Atlanta Technical College where he studied automotive collision repair. Following completion of his training he was employed by Beaudry Ford in the automotive repair department. After protests and demonstrations (common during the Civil Rights Era) he obtained a position in the sales division. Donald started his career in real estate in 1977 as agent with Apollo Associates Realty founded by Mr. T. J. Locke, his former high school teacher and mentor. In 1988 he obtained his real estate broker license and opened Gaither Realty Associates, specializing in property management. Donald’s professional journey was marked by resilience and determination. In addition to his successful career in real estate, he also served as a police officer at Georgia State University. His career as an officer was tragically cut short in 1993 due to a life-threatening accident. However, through faith, determination and perseverance he overcame his injuries and thrived in the real estate industry. He was a certified Real Estate Manager and Property Manager, and a respected member of Dekalb Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, and Georgia MLS. At an early age he professed his faith attending church with his family at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church. He also attended Central United Methodist Church with his aunt. At Central UMC that he married the love of his life Yvonne Anderson. Two beautiful daughters were born into this union, which lasted 45 years. Donald was a devoted husband and father. He was committed to making his “girls” happy. He was a fixture at his daughters’ school and their activities. The Gaither home was the gathering spot for their friends - the house where they were welcomed, safe, and mentored. He was truly about God, family, and friends. A soldier in God’s army, he devoted himself to studying the Word through Discipleship and Experiencing God classes. It was the Christian bound that was formed among the members in these classes that lead to the formation of the “I Ate Bread” Bible study and fellowship group. After a long journey, the Lord called him home to rest on June 26, 2024. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Ernestine Gaither; beloved aunts Helen Mitchell and Rubye Rowe. Those left to cherish and honor his life include a loving and devoted wife, Yvonne; daughters Dawn West (Mike), Candice Sykes (Cedric); grandchildren, Cayden, Carson, Indigo, Rylie, Camdyn, and Cadence; brothers, James, Jr. (Janice), Frank, Sr., sister-in-law Jean Gaither; brother-in-laws, Andrew Anderson, (Carol), Ronald Anderson, and Reginald Anderson; nieces Musette Gaither, Sonya Gaither, Kiah Harper (Brian), and Gail Mayo; nephews, Frank, Jr. (Dee), Brian Gaither, Dontavious Anderson, Sterling Anderson; and a host of other special relatives and beloved friends.

Tributes

Donald Gaither

July 4, 1950 - June 26, 2024