James Tracy Ormand, Sr., 98, of Gastonia, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Gaston Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side.  

He was born in Columbus, N.C. and was the son of the late James Franklin and Elizabeth Page Ormand. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Martha Hope Ormand; son, Harry Lattimore Ormand; three brothers, Charles Ormand and wife, Thedas, Allen Ormand and wife, Anna, and Harold Franklin Ormand; two sisters, Helen Foster and husband, Roger, Evelyn Ramsey and husband, Bud; sister-in-law, Frances Hope Petty and husband, Carl; brother-in-law, Chris L. Hope and wife, Wilma.

Mr. Ormand came to Gastonia in 1935. He was store manager for Sterchi Furniture Company for 27 years and retired from Maxwell Furniture Company after 20 years of service in 1980. He was a member and Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge, member of the Gastonia Lions Club where he was former district zone chairman. He was a former director of the Merchants Association. He was a former member of the Twilighters Dance Club. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Gastonia.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Courtland Terrace, Gaston Memorial Hospital and Gaston Hospice for the love and kindness given to Mr. Ormand.

Mr. Ormand is survived by one brother, Robert Earl Ormand of Columbus; one sister, Martha Ann Foy of Columbus; one son, James Tracy Ormand, Jr. and wife Barbara of Gastonia; two daughters, Hope Ormand Walsh of Charlotte, Frances Anne Ormand McSwain and husband, Cary of Blythewood, S.C.; daughter-in-law, Debbie Ormand; Chris Hope and wife, Linda; grandchildren, James Tracy Ormand, III, Garland Jason Ormand and wife Shannon, Kelly Ormand St. Pierre and husband David, Lisa Walsh Elmore and husband Scott, James Patrick McSwain and wife Jennifer, Caryn Hope McSwain Stepp and husband Joshua, Thomas Chapman McSwain and Carrie Zokan, Carl Lattimore Ormand and Haley Duncan, Chip Hope and Vicki Ferry, Carrie Hargett and husband Jack, Todd McSwain and wife Sheila, Cheri Cobb and husband Robbie; great-grandchildren, Shane and Troy Wooten, Shaun and Lesa Breth, Tracy and Michael Evans, Nicholas Richards, Holden St. Pierre, Haley Ormand, Matthew Ormand, Bailey Elmore, Sydney Elmore, Rilee Hope Stepp, Emma Paisley Stepp, Kinley Duncan, Chelsea Spencer, Jonathan Cobb, Cyndi Cobb; 13 great, great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2013 at First Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. with Dr. Ray Ammons officiating.

Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace at Gaston Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be James Tracy Ormand III, James Patrick McSwain, Thomas Chapman McSwain, Garland Jason Ormand, Carl Lattimore Ormand, Joshua Timothy Stepp, Bobby Scott Elmore, David Jerome St. Pierre and Christopher L. Hope III.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 2650 Union Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.

Online condolences: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.