Ernest Carothers, Jr.

Ernest Woodrow “Woodie” Carothers, Jr., 77, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 9, 2021, at his residence. He was born April 20, 1944, in Charleston, SC to the late Ernest Woodrow Carothers, Sr. and Sara Robbins Carothers.

Woodie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was part-owner and Funeral Director/Embalmer with Carothers Funeral Home for 40 years. He graduated from Ashley High School, Gardner-Webb University and Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science, Dallas, Texas. His compassionate ways brought comfort to others on their most difficult days. Woodie was a member of the Gastonia JC’s, served in the Army National Guard, and a member of the Civitan Club for 53 years where he served as past president, fruit cake chairman, scrapbook chairman and supported the Special Olympics. He was a member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church where he served on many committees, some as chairman.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 53 years, Brenda Eyler Carothers; daughters, Allison Fehrs and husband Patrick, Heather Pawlak and husband Jim; brother, Ronnie Carothers and wife Margie; sister, Robbin O’Hara and husband Brian; grandchildren, Michael Pawlak, Jamie Pawlak and wife Miranda, Justin Pawlak, Zach Pawlak, Cassie Fehrs, Ashley Fehrs; great-grandson, Carter Pawlak; brother-in-law, Eddie Eyler and wife Kay; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 12, 2021.

Woodie’s funeral service will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Sally Queen and Rev. Ronnie Carothers officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054 or to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.