United States of America
Headstone of Wayne Harold Gaither

Wayne Harold Gaither

Died May 31, 1975

Wayne Harold Gaither.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Deputy Sheriff Wayne Gaither was shot and mortally wounded by a man after he initiated a traffic stop at 11:00 p.m. on Redland Road, a quarter of a mile south of NC Highway 801 in Advance. Deputy Gaither radioed the description of the vehicle and its license plate number, which he stopped for suspected drunk driving. Witnesses viewed a car speeding away after hearing gunshots. When they approached Deputy Gaither, he had multiple gunshot wounds. Deputy Gaither passed away at Davie County Hospital. The suspect also shot and killed Captain Jack Renigar, of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Department, as he and other officers were attempting to arrest him for the shooting of Deputy Gaither. The suspect was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to two 80-year terms in prison on July 14, 1976. He died in prison on July 31, 1992. Deputy Gaither was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who served with the Davie County Sheriff's Office for over a year and previously served with the Mocksville Police Department.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, two sisters, and a brother.
Media
Wayne Harold Gaither
Wayne Harold Gaither 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
Davie County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 19-W · Line 13 cut as WAYNE HAROLD GAITHER
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Deputy Sheriff Gaither gave the Davie County Sheriff's Office 4 years.

Thank you for your service to the Mocksville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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