William Osborne Obituary

William Gerald Osborne went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

Born on December 28, 1937 in Fort Mill, SC, Gerald was the second son of Guy Hubert Osborne and Mary Elizabeth Bickett Osborne and was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gene Osborne and Tommy Osborne.

On August 10, 1958, Gerald married his high school sweetheart, Dorcas Jeanette Rodgers, and together they built a strong and faithful family. They would have celebrated 67 years of marriage this year. Gerald is survived by their four children - Jayne Renee Osborne Abernethy (Shuford), Judith Elizabeth Osborne Turner (Jeff), Jerrie Marie Osborne Burns (Rodney), and John Patrick Osborne (Laura). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Luke Turner (Heather), Emily Burns White (Jordan), Clara Abernethy Ortega (Randy), Natalie Burns, Clay Abernethy (Aakriti), Bryce Burns (Camlin), Layton Turner (Alex), Sam Abernethy, Charles Osborne (Esther), Rose Abernethy Jones (Landon), and Elizabeth Osborne and seven great-grandchildren - Tate White, Caroline Turner, Tinsley White, Claire Turner, Sutton Burns, Maxine Turner, and Bowen Burns, all of whom he cherished deeply as “PawPaw.”

A 1960 graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Gerald worked for several companies in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia before retiring in 2000 from Mohawk Industries in Dalton, GA. He also ran the beloved Osborne's Hardware and Grocery, in rural western Rowan County, where he was known for his honest work and servant's heart.

Gerald lived out his faith through service. He led Boy Scouts for over 20 years, served on mission trips in Venezuela, Canada, and Columbia, and gave tirelessly to his church and community. He held leadership roles at First Baptist Church of Salisbury and helped plant a new church in Georgia. He especially enjoyed teaching Sunday school. He also served on the Cleveland Town Council overseeing the town's water distribution and sewer treatment facilities, always striving to be a faithful steward of God's blessings.

Above all, Gerald was a godly husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who modeled integrity, love and devotion to Christ. His legacy of faith and family continue through generations who rise-up and call him blessed.

A visitation will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Salisbury, NC with the funeral service to follow at 3 PM, officiated by Rev. Kenneth Lance. The burial will take place at Cleveland Town Cemetery, Cemetery St., Cleveland, NC 27013.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Capital Campaign of First Baptist Church, 223 N. Fulton Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Gerald's gentle spirit, quiet humor, and steadfast love will be deeply missed - but we rejoice in the hope of eternal life he now fully knows.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Osborne family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.