Albin Rex Gwaltney passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2019 at the age of 64. Diagnosed with cancer, he battled it for nearly four months. Monday night he was admitted into Cherokee Indian Hospital and passed Tuesday around 6:30 p.m.
He was born in Norfolk, Va. on March 27, 1955 to Mamie Lois Rogers and Albin Gwaltney.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jamie Paugh, and wife, Mary Ellen Gwaltney. He is survived by a daughter, Amber Marie Gwaltney of Auburn, Ga.; a brother, William Gwaltney of Ashland, Ky.; and sister, Sandra Wilson of Conway, S.C. He also had eight wonderful grandchildren, Destini and Megan Paugh, J.J. Paugh, Parker Paugh, Seth Gwaltney, Jamie Gwaltney, Lauren Voyles, and Jordan Voyles.
He was a very successful business owner on the Cherokee Indian Reservation and then again in Whittier. He owned and operated an auto repair shop, Rex’s Auto Repair. During that time, he made a lasting impression on many different people and it showed. While open, his shops were considered to be top notch and had outstanding reputations. Fixing cars was second nature and he did it very well, but his real passion was helping people. After retiring, he continued to help others and showed kindness to everyone he met. Possessing a very good sense of humor, he always enjoyed joking around with close friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home, with Pastor James “Bo” Parris officiating. The family will gather with friends, prior to the service, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.