Max William Wolfe Sr.

Max William Wolfe, Sr. of Gastonia, passed away on May 22, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey J. Wolfe and Suda Kennedy Wolfe, as well as his sister and her husband, Dorothy W. Lynn and T.A. Lynn Sr.

Max is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mae Beth Whitesides Wolfe; son, Max Wolfe Jr. and wife Tammy; daughter, Alice Wolfe Stewart and husband Kevin. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Taylor Lewis and husband Alex; Max Wolfe III and wife Becky; and Whit Stewart.

Extended family survivors include Max's twin sister, Mary Huffstetler; brother, D. Jefferson Wolfe Jr. and wife Pat; brother-in-law, William L. Whitesides and wife Judith; Beth's twin sister, Beverly Kimbro and husband Jack; nephew, Theo Lynn Jr. and other nieces and  nephews.

Max graduated from Bessemer City High School in 1952 and attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He worked at Sunrise Dairy for many years and served two years in the US Army at Fort Jackson. Along with his dear friend and business partner, Bill Finison, he operated Westend Hardware in Gastonia for over 40 years.

As well as being a prominent member of the local business community, Max was a charter member of the Gastonia Evening Optimist Club,  functioning in many roles including club President. He spent 25 years with the Chapel Grove Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief and Chief. He participated in early planning stages for the Gaston College Fire Training Center and served as President of the Gaston County Volunteer Fireman's Association.

After his marriage to Beth, Max joined Pisgah ARP Church and throughout the past 64 years answered the call for many service and leadership roles including Men's Fellowship Club, Teacher, Pan Handler Team, Deacon; serving as board chairman, Elder; serving as vice-moderator; and most recently he helped coordinate Pisgah's  participation in the Weekend Backpack program for Gaston County Schools.

In May 2021, Max was bestowed the honor of Elder Emeritus by the current board of Pisgah Elders with a socially distanced observance held at Max's home, attended by current Elders, friends and Max's family.

The family wishes to thank Testa Family Hospice in Kings Mountain, for their care and kindness.

The family will receive friends 6-8 pm Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Pisgah ARP Church Family Life Center, 3600 Linwood Road Gastonia.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Friday, May 28, 2021, at the Pisgah ARP Church Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Richard Lewis and Pastor Greg Ballard.

The family requests all attending the services, please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to the Weekend Backpack Program, the Pisgah ARP Comprehensive Capital Fund or the Testa Family Hospice .

Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.