Gaylord Leon Lehman

Dr. Gaylord L. Lehman, age 81, died Friday, November 15, 2013, at Duke University Medical Center, after a brief illness. Born September 19, 1932, in Louisville, KY, he was the son of the late J. Edward Lehman and Orpha Gerig Lehman. He grew up in Inman, South Carolina, and was educated at Gardner-Webb College and Furman University, where he received his BA degree in 1954. He graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY in 1957, and received the Doctor of Theology degree in homiletics (preaching) from that institution in 1961. He served as Instructor of Preaching at Southern Seminary from 1960-61. Dr. Lehman served as pastor of the Benson Baptist Church in Benson, NC, from 1962-1966. In 1966, he became pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount and served there for thirty-two years until his retirement in 1998. After retirement, he became active in area churches, preaching at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Wilson, First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tarboro, and Pinetops Presbyterian Church in Pinetops. Dr. Lehman was involved in a number of community activities, serving as chairman of the Rocky Mount Human Relations Commission, chairman of the Rocky Mount Nash unit of the American Cancer Society, chairman of the board of Meals on Wheels, and president of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club. For seven years, he served as a member of the Rocky Mount City Board of Education. He was also instrumental in the foundation of the Rocky Mount Area Habitat for Humanity and served as a trustee of Meredith College. Dr. Lehman is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faith Johnson Lehman; brothers, Dr. Lamar Lehman (Brian) of Greenville, SC, and Dr. Jerry D. Lehman (Faye), of Inman, SC; children, Carol Lucas (Will) of Rocky Mount, John Lehman (Nancy) of Durham, and Kaye Emack (Jim) of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, John Lucas, Jeff Lucas, Henry Emack, Carter Emack, Grey Lehman, and Lily Lehman; nieces and nephews, Keith Lehman (Kellee) of Fayetteville, GA, Nancy L. Robson (Johnny) of Black Mountain, NC; Rusty Rohrbaugh (Joy) of Greenville, SC; Lynn Lehman of Spartanburg, SC, and Leigh Ann Lehman of Gainesville, FL. A memorial service will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lakeside Baptist Church (1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804), or Meals on Wheels of Rocky Mount (1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804). Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Lakeside Baptist Church 1501 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-0126 --> | Tuesday 11/19, 12:00 pm Service Lakeside Baptist Church 1501 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-0126 --> | Tuesday 11/19, 11:00 am