Gaston Hemphill Gage, Sr.

June 10, 2019

June 16, 1930-June 10, 2019

Gaston was born in Charlotte as the youngest child of Lucius Gaston Gage, MD and Margaret White Gage.  He was educated in Charlotte city schools, Woodberry Forest, Oak Ridge Military Academy, Duke University (BS) and UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law (LLD) where he was on the North Carolina Law Review.  He served in the US Army for two years during the Korean War, serving as a tank commander in the 89th Tank Battalion. Among the incredibly numerous and significant events in his life, those formative years in Korea left the most indelible mark.

Gaston was a partner in the Charlotte law firm of Parker Poe Adams and Bernstein until his retirement in 2012.   He represented many of the largest companies in the region and was unique in that he tried two US Supreme Court cases, winning both.  His first Supreme Court case was tried when he was 35 years old. He was a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar, the North Carolina State Bar and the American Bar Association. 

Gaston was passionate about certain causes, particularly those that dealt with helping children. He served on the board, including stints as chair, of Elon Homes for Children (formerly Boys Town) and formed many of his lifelong friendships while fighting for the cause of helping physically and emotionally abused and abandoned children.   He did not shy away from particularly painful subjects. In addition, he was a past President of Kiwanis (Charlotte) and held leadership and teaching positions at the Myers Park United Methodist Church for 60 years.  He was a biblical scholar and came to his strong belief through his unique path. 

Gaston is survived by his wife, Jane Basinger Gage (married on July 11, 1959) and three children:  Gaston, Jr (Beth), John (Gayle) and Stephen (Scott).  Jane and Gaston have five grandchildren:  Cole, Hill, Harris, Lawson, and McRae.  He was predeceased by his brother, Lucius G. Gage, Jr  MD and his parents.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Myers Park United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends in Jubilee Hall following the service at the church.

Memorials can be made to Elon Homes for Children, Southminster or Myers Park United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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Comments

  • Joe Sutterlin

    Gaston,Jr.,I just want to express sympathy and my condolences at your father's death. It is no wonder you are the man you are with a father as involved in his church and community as your dad. It is no wonder you chose the career you did with the background he gave you to provide the service and support for families in their times of deepest need.
    Joe Sutterlin

  • William T Howell

    I would like for all of Gaston’s children to know that although we were separated by geography and the famous Gage reclusiveness, of which all of us have a healthy dose, I chose to “labor in the same vineyard”as your Dad. This is in no small measure due to the example that he set by his outstanding accomplishments as a member of the bar as a lawyer, a gentlemanexample he set.

  • Kennedy Family

    We would like to express our sincere condolences for the loss of Gaston Sr. His concern and compassion for others has made a great deal of difference for many people.

    Gail, David and Beth

  • Andy Beard

    Gaston, looks like we lost another of the greatest generation. What a proud son you must be. Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your family.