Paul Edward Packett

Paul Edward Packett, 73, of Belmont, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Caromont Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 29, 1952, in Gaston County, North Carolina, to the late Willie Lee Packett and Mary Ann Bailey Packett.

Paul was an Army veteran, proudly serving two tours in Vietnam. After his service, he dedicated 49 years as a long-distance truck driver, covering over 7.8 million miles during his career. In addition to his work as a trucker, Paul was a volunteer firefighter with the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Paul had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling to the mountains, working in his garden with his flowers and blueberry bushes, and spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Cash. He was also a hobby distiller, continuing a family tradition passed down from his great aunt. He had a genuine love for people and enjoyed visiting friends around town, often “shooting the bull” and sharing stories.

Paul is survived by his wife of 50 years, Tammy Gilbert Packett; daughters, Kim Gilbert and Dotty Packett; grandchildren, Crystal Prine “Possum,” Scarlett Righter “Squirrel,” George Alex Righter “Bubba”; brother, Charlie Packett and his wife Anna; sister, Angie Mayberry and her husband Buddy; as well as his “adopted” daughter, Shawna Young; “adopted” granddaughter, Apparicious “Appy” Anderson “Skunk”; and “adopted” great-granddaughter, Myia-Rose Snyder “Redneck”.  He is also survived by his dog, Cash; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Paul is also preceded in death by his grandparents, Tallie C. and Ora Sorrells Bailey; brothers, James David Packett and Tommy E. Packett "Stretch"; grandson, Andrew Lee Righter; Mother-in-law, Dorothy Lee Gilbert; and cousin, Oscar “Ronnie” Graham.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at The Refuge, 4639 Chapel Grove Rd, Gastonia, NC. Celebration of Life Service will also be held after the visitation on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. also at The Refuge.

Paul’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.