TOMMY GWATNEY

May 24, 1914-July 12, 2005

Magnus Thomas "Tommy" Gwatney, 91, a resident of the Pines, died Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Gwatney was born May 24, 1914, in Wayne County to the late Nicholas Doubd Gwatney and Nannie Della Pierce Gwatney. He was a retired salesman with General Industries and was a charter member of New Hope United Methodist Church. Mr. Gwatney was very involved in his church, serving as past chairman of the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees, as charter member and past president of the Methodist Men, member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, former Sunday School Superintendent, and served as head usher for 20 years. He had been an active member of the Men's Prayer Breakfast Group that meets on Tuesday's at Wilber's restaurant.

Mr. Gwatney was a 60-year member of Wayne Lodge #112 A.F.&A.M. and a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite Consistory of New Bern. He also was a member of the Sudan Temple and the Sudan Temple Wrecking Crew of New Bern.

A graveside service with Masonic rites will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Wayne Memorial Park with the Rev. Hunter Preston officiating.

Mr. Gwatney is survived by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth "Maggie" Triplett Gwatney; his daughter, Betty Jean Gauss, and her husband, Ed, of Wilson; his sons, Nick Gwatney of Goldsboro and M. Thomas Gwatney Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Goldsboro; his grandchildren, Bert Rose, Beth Rose Caudle, Amy Rose Morris, Mary Margaret Radford, Niki G. Hooks, Doubd Gwatney and Harper Story Gwatney; and great-grandchildren, Ali Pearson, Mary Glenn Rose, Caroline Rose, Vance Morris, Jaxson Hooks, and Thomas N. Radford.

Memorial donations may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 200 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.