Roger Gatlin

Junie Roger Gatlin, Sr., 77, of Asheboro, died Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Randolph Health in Asheboro.

He is survived by his son, J.R. Gatlin, Jr. of Asheboro; grandson, Kenneth Gatlin of Sophia; former wife, Debbie Gatlin of Asheboro; sister, Ann Cranford and husband Tommy of Asheboro; brothers, Joe Gatlin of Asheboro, Donald Gatlin and wife Patty of Asheboro, Mark Gatlin and wife Wendi of Asheboro.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 at Riverside Baptist Church, 8127 Riverside Rd., Seagrove, NC. Rev. Kenneth Bouldin and Rev. Gerald Hussey will be officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ridge Funeral Home and other times at the home of his brother, Donald Gatlin, 743 Burney Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.

Roger was born September 26, 1946 in Randolph County. He was the son of the late Dempsey Edward Gatlin and Esther Elizabeth Luther. He was the owner and operator of Southend Service Center for 44 years. He was well known for his kindness in helping the less fortunate regardless of their ability to pay. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church that he had attended since infancy.

Roger graduated from Seagrove High School, Class of 1964 and was captain of his High School basketball team. He maintained a close relationship with many of his classmates and was always in attendance at class reunions.

Roger was the assistant scout master of Boy Scout Troop 527 and is fondly remembered for transporting scouts to many camps in his big brown van. His favorite campfire saying was “Boys, keep the fire in the fire”. With his troop 527, he attended Boy Scout Ranch at Philmont, New Mexico in 1993 and 1996.

Roger was an avid bowler and a Little League Coach. He loved auto racing. Being an experienced mechanic, he maintained his brother Joe’s race car. In 1971, they won 12 first place races and 9 second places in the Hobby Division at Caraway Speedway.

Two of Roger’s most enjoyable hobbies were going to auctions and traveling. Over the years, he traveled through 48 states and many of his travels were on the back of his motorcycle.

Roger was proud that he had 31 first cousins and he maintained a great relationship with them. Growing up, his nieces and nephew could always look forward to a shiny new silver dollar at Christmas from Uncle Roger.

Memorials may be made to Concerned Bikers Association of Randolph County Toy Run, P.O. Box 87, Asheboro, NC 27204 or to Riverside Baptist Church, 8127 Riverside Road, Seagrove, NC 27341.