Mr. Gerald Baxter, Sr., 82, of 6576 Flay Road, Cherryville, NC, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Services were held at Bess Chapel United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery. 

Mr. Baxter was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Baxter and Madeline Dellinger Baxter; 1 son, Brad Baxter; and his twin sister, Geraldine Baxter Carpenter.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Leatherman Baxter of the home; 1 son, Gerald Baxter, Jr. and wife Joanne of Murrells Inlet, SC; a daughter-in-law, Laura Baxter of Cherryville; and 2 grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Bess Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Evelyn Cooper, 6001 Flay Road, Cherryville, NC 28021; or to: Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 Cedar St., Lincolnton, NC 28092.

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home, Fallston, NC.