Michael Craig Gaiter

The Life & Legacy of Michael “Craig” Gaiter (his perspective)

Life

I was the youngest child of John Oliver Gaiter (deceased) and Jewell Odessa Love Gaiter (deceased) in Denver, Colorado, on December 1, 1960. Raised in the home with three brothers: Ronnie Jones (Mississippi), Howard Ross (Denver), and Henry Jones (Denver); and one sister, Valerie Friend (deceased), whom I called “Barry” because I couldn’t pronounce her name. From these siblings, I was blessed to experience eventful memories that included my many nieces and nephews currently residing in various states, including Philadelphia, Denver, and Oklahoma, rearing their children and grandchildren. I learned how to be an active and engaged father from my dad, who served in the Navy before establishing his own janitorial business. Despite working day and night, Dad never failed to join me and my friends in fun, playing video games or shooting hoops in his Bermuda shorts and tube socks, with keys jingling on his side. My mother taught me how to cook using the latest cooking tools and adding unique spices and seasonings to my food, including love. To survive being the youngest, my siblings instructed me on how to protect myself and when to run, especially from the nuns in Catholic school. No, I wasn’t Catholic.

After graduating from East High School (Denver) in 1978, I went to college in California and lived in a house with four of my close friends. We had little money and no electricity, but we had fun. After receiving a football scholarship from East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce), I became a Texan. This is where I met a young lady, Pamela Kaye Bowie (Gaiter) from East Texas, wearing a red dress, walking across the campus. We became friends and got married four years later in 1985. We were married almost forty years, with many memories of joy, growth, adventure, sadness, and suffering. The ending was not what either of us planned, but God never left us. From the marriage, we were blessed to share our love and life with two beautifully created children, Gabriell Amanda-Mykiel Gaiter Itima (Chicago) and Daunte Craig Gaiter (Sachse), and a host of godchildren and adopted nieces and nephews who called me “Uncle Mike.”

Legacy

My love for the study of Revelation is the legacy I leave with those who have known me throughout the years. Exploring the relationship between the church and the bridegroom was my passion, so this is a celebration. I am now rejoicing because I am living the most important legacy with Jesus. Celebrate church because I am! My legacy can be seen in my amazing children. I watched them grow in their unique ways from infants I rocked every night, then transitioned into teenagers with whom I shared various interests: Gabriell - rap music and art, Daunte – football and fishing. Each of you are adults now, but you always knew that you were loved by God, your parents, family, and many adopted uncles and aunts. You have your journey to explore. Remember to be you, not someone else. For over 30 years, I served faithfully at Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in various positions, including deacon (since 1988), trainer of new deacons, teacher (Sunday School and Vacation Bible School), marriage ministry leader, Shepherd/Care Group leader, Discipleship leader, benevolence leader, Mentor, and usher. I also served on various committees, and occasionally sang in the men’s choir. My closest friendships and kinships were developed at Mt. Hebron and continued throughout my life.

My 30-year journey of faith and service at Mt. Hebron is woven into the legacy that I leave behind. The City of Garland is also part of my legacy. I retired in 2018 after twenty-seven years of service. I began my career in code enforcement and advanced to the position of Chief Building Official for the City of Garland and had the privilege of assisting with the economic growth and development of Garland, including the establishment of Garland’s first mall, Firewheel Town Center. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration at The University of Texas at Dallas, and obtained various building code certifications while providing for my family in the Garland/Sachse area. Another cornerstone of my legacy includes the carpentry skills I learned from my mentor, Jack Westover. His training allowed me to assist with the woodwork inside the Sixth Floor Museum, design and complete an additional room in our first home, and build various shelves, counters, and different pieces of furniture for my family and others. These creative skills can also be seen in my artwork, which served as a hobby during various times in my life. 

Family & Friends, I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course. I am now at peace. I pray that you remember the positive times we shared, including family meals and holiday parties, the four am workouts, the six am prayer calls, fishing in the sinking boat, couples’ vacations (with no film in the camera), or a scripture and prayer shared during a family crisis. My legacy should be in your heart and move you to focus on the type of legacy you leave for others. Tomorrow is not promised; live your legacy today.

This is a celebration.

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