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John Hayden Girdler, Jr., 65, of Salisbury North Carolina, passed away October 13, 2019. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul Church Rd. Salisbury, NC. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning 12:00 pm.
Mr. Girdler was born October 14, 1953. He received a associates degree in Business from Rowan Cabarrus Community College and a Doctor of Ministry in Theology from Life Christian University. He was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday School and he was the owner/operator of a video production company.
He was preceded in death by his parents: John Hayden Girdler, Sr. and Marion Smith Girdler.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Goodman Girdler; daughter, Angie Fansler (Michael); son, Bradley Girdler (Maranda); sister, Karol Girdler-Ross (Bill); brother, Joseph Girdler; aunt, Peggy Swicegood (Jack); along with grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and special friends.
A special thanks to Dr. Brinkley and the staff of Carolina Oncology Associates; Jill Earnhardt, St. Paul’s Parish Nurse; and the nurses at the Glenn A Kiser Hospice House for their compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, 1229 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury,NC, 28144 or to St Paul’s Lutheran Church Helping Hands Ministry, 205 St. Paul Church Rd., Salisbury NC 28146.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Girdler family.
Dr. Don Vess says
I was totally taken back when I saw the news of John’s passing. Though we haven’t walked in the same circles for many years now we still remained friends. My heart goes out to John’s family. I will always remember him and his dry sense of humor as well as his extraordinary talents as a musician, teacher, and his abilities in martial arts. But most of all I will remember him as a Friend. Our prayers go out to all who are left to cherish his memory.
Terry & Rae Griggs says
Karen, John was so good to our family from taking pictures at our daughter’s wedding to doing special things for and with Rae’s dad, my father-in-law. Praying for you and the family during this time of sorrow.
Jo Shaw says
Karol, I have such fond memories of you and John when we all lived on Merritt Ave. You were such good influences on my children. I knew you would look out for them. Tom, especially, had a special bond with John. He was way too young to lose. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Jo Shaw
Kimberly Kennedy says
I I happen to be going through some old correspondence and I was happy when I found a message that Pastor Girdler sent me on December 15, 2008. He saw a video that I had posted on YouTube. He was very kind and encouraging. It made me so happy with the kind words he put in his letter. I’ve saved this many years and I am glad I came across it again. I was surprised when I found out he is no longer with us and I was starting to tear up and then I stepped back for a second and I thought I could see the glory of the Lord on his face here in his photo and I’m sure he is in Heaven having such a great time! So I’m not gonna be sad I’m just going to be happy that he is with our God. All I want to say is that I am grateful for the letter he wrote me. He cared about me, a stranger, and used his time to encourage me and tell me of others and compliment. I really enjoyed reading his letter and I’m going to frame it because it is so thoughtful and I needed to hear what he said back in 2008 right now. Literally it’s lifted my spirits tonight and it has encouraged my future. This is a beautiful testament of God’s truth in love. Even though Pastor Girdler isn’t here what he did many years ago is still creating life and joy even after he is not with us. That is the best legacy to leave in this world. I believe all he has done through his life will continue to grow and that the little seeds he planted many years ago will turn into a great harvest.