Joseph ‘Terry’ Bumgarner Sr.

Published 12:21 pm Thursday, May 22, 2025

Joseph “Terry” Bumgarner Sr., 79, of Wilkesboro, NC, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and lifelong servant to his community, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Terry leaves behind a legacy of generosity and leadership.
Terry was born on May 2, 1946 in Wilkes County to Joseph Clinton Bumgarner and Ruby Rhymer Bumgarner. He was a 1964 graduate of West Wilkes High School and attended Forsyth Technical College in Winston-Salem, NC.
Terry lived his life with a deep sense of purpose – always guided by thoughtfulness, compassion, and a desire to give more than he received. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, Terry found success not just in his businesses, but in the lives he touched along the way.
Terry was the owner and operator of Bumgarner Services, and formerly owned King Sash and Door and Lovette Company. Through every venture, he remained committed to honesty, hard work, and helping others succeed. His success in business was rooted in his reliability, honesty, and care for both his work and the people around him. He was never one to boast, but his accomplishments spoke volumes.
Throughout his life, Terry lived by the values of service, humility, and integrity. He was a man who led not with words, but by example – giving his time, talents, and heart to countless causes and organizations over his lifetime.
He faithfully served on the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees and the WCC Foundation Board for over 40 years, including as Trustee Board Chair from 2017 to 2021. His commitment to education and opportunity changed lives and shaped futures in his community.
Terry also brought his leadership and wisdom to numerous other organizations, including the Wake Forest Medical Board of Visitors (1992–2012) and the boards of Northwestern Bank, First Union Bank, Central Carolina Bank and SunTrust Bank. He served as Board President of the Association of Millwork Distributors, and as President of the Maisons-sur-Mer Homeowners Association.
He further contributed to his community by serving on the Wilkes County Economic Development Corporation and Davie County Economic Development Commission. He was also on the boards of Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce, Davie County Chamber of Commerce, and Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, where he was a member. Terry was a proud member of the Wilkesboro and Mocksville Rotary Clubs, Wilkes Art Gallery, North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge, Oakwoods Country Club and Bermuda Run Country Club.
In recognition of his lifetime of service and civic dedication, Terry was inducted into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2018 – North Carolina’s highest honor for a civilian bestowed by the Governor.
Terry’s greatest source of pride was his family.
He is survived by: his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Faw Bumgarner; daughter, Kristy J. Bumgarner of Bermuda Run, NC, and partner Jim Noiles of Boston, Mass.; son, Joseph Terry Bumgarner Jr. and wife Patricia of Wilkesboro; 5 beloved grandchildren, Kate Bumgarner, Erica Oliver, Harper Anderson, Hendrix Anderson and Leo Anderson; and his sister, Vickie Dancy and husband Mike of Wilkesboro; nephew, Jonathan Dancy and wife Courtney and their three children of Rolesville, NC; brother-in-law, Bobby Faw of Millers Creek; nieces, Robin Church, husband William and their 3 children of Wilkesboro, and Julie Triplett and husband Tracy of Wilkesboro.
Throughout his life and more than his business and civic accomplishments, Terry will be remembered for the way he treated people – with warmth, respect, and genuine care. Whether offering a helping hand, a wise word, or simply showing up when it mattered, he lived his life in service of others. He was a listener, a problem-solver, and a steady presence to all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the John A. Walker Center at Wilkes Community College. A private family graveside service was held prior.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to: the Bumgarner Scholarship Fund, c/o Wilkes Community College, Attn: Allison Phillips, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. The family also requests no food.
Online condolences: www.reinssturdivant.com.