Gary Delp

6/1/1949 - April 13, 2023

Gary Lane Delp, 73, of Valdese, passed away in his home on Thursday, April 13, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on June 1, 1949 in Saltville, Va. to Carl (Foot) and Hattie Delp.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, son Chad (wife, Tennile), and daughter Leigh Ann Delp. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Delp, sisters Doris Doyle & Donna Barr. In addition, he is survived by brothers Charlie, Johnny and Tony Delp, sisters Janie Sword and Kay Anderson. Also surviving are numerous in-laws, nieces & nephews.

Gary graduated from Saltville RB Worthy High School in 1967. He then earned a Fine Arts Degree at East Tennessee State University. While in college, he met and married his wife, Phyllis.

After graduation, Gary, and Phyllis moved to Valdese, N.C. to pursue teaching careers. Gary taught Pottery and Art for 30 years at Freedom High School. He also served as Head Soccer Coach throughout much of his teaching career. He was well known for his pottery, particularly his face jugs.

In his two decades of retirement, Gary loved gardening in his yard with Phyllis, and visiting his children in Paris and Honolulu. He was an avid golfer and soccer fan, attending numerous soccer matches around the world. In addition, he served as a Councilman for the Valdese Town Council for 10 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, as he was also a loving father to many pets over the years.

Gary was a cherished husband, father, brother, teacher and friend, having a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of all who knew him. He had an unmatched sense of humor and a true zest for life. A celebration of his life will be held in June. He will be forever loved and remembered.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

Heritage Funeral Service

1507 Main St E

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Herald on Apr. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Delp

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese.

13 Entries

Travis Willis

April 21, 2025

Still think of Mr. Delp fondly and often.

Richard Martin

April 27, 2024

So sad to learn of Mr Delp's passing just on a random internet search of him. He was my Valdese art teacher and I'm not sure how or why, but he taught art roughly following my class. Must just be how he started. He was the art teacher in my primary school, grades 1-3, then he was the art teacher in middle school grades 4-6, finally he taught art in my junior high, grades 7-9. I know he went on to teach at Freedom after that although Valdese went to East Burke High School.

I remember him so well through those early years although haven't seen him since the 1970s. I regret not meeting him again later in life. I remember him as a strong handsome man with jet black hair who was patient and kind, someone who understood how to work with kids. He could make us focus and stay on track. Even though art was not my future he made me think I could be an artist if I worked hard and detailed enough. I remember the joy in drawing something that he would really look at...and be pleased. He would say "Draw what you see". It meant a lot to me to help organize the art supplies or fire the kiln or just be a part of his classroom. Very doubtful he would have remembered me from more than 45 years ago but wish I could have told him things I learned, how important he was to my youth, and how much I respected and appreciated him.

Annette Laxton Quarles

June 16, 2023

He was a wonderful art teacher and person. He was one of my favorite teachers. Sending hugs and prayers to his family.

Jenny coffey

June 5, 2023

He was the best art teacher I ever had. He made the world of art magic and I have loved it sense. I will never forget. Rest in peace Mr. Delp.

Dennis Smith

April 28, 2023

Gary Delp was a good man, a good friend, a good mentor, and a good family man. He always had a smile, was fun to be around and was always willing to help. He will be missed.

Travis Willis

April 26, 2023

I can honestly say that Mr. Delp had an immense impact on my life and he remains my all-time favorite teacher. His sense of humor, sarcasm and enthusiasm for life, golf and pottery remain with me today and always will. He actually sold me my first pottery wheel for $10, which began a hobby for me that I still pursue until this very day.

He will be missed, but he definitely left the world in a better place than where he found it. May peace be with the Delp family.

Pam Hawkins

April 24, 2023

I am so sorry to hear this about Gary. He changed my life by teaching me about pottery and all the life lessons you learn along the way. He was a wonderfully witty and talented. So honored to have been taught by the best. My sincere condolences and prayers for you family!

Marsha crump

April 24, 2023

Always had a smile and was always happy

Matt Childres

April 24, 2023

Mr. Delp was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I thoroughly enjoyed his class. My condolences go out to his family.

Teresa Mayfield

April 24, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Delp was one of my favorite teachers. He was my art teacher at Valdese Jr High, as well as, at Freedom High. I enjoyed his classes and I still remember some of the techniques he taught me and the projects we did. Rest in peace, Mr. Delp.

Gary McClure

April 24, 2023

So sorry to hear about Gary. As Mayor of Rutherford College I enjoyed working with Gary on several regional boards. He will be missed by the many that was privileged to know him.

Louisa Emmons

April 23, 2023

I was very sad to hear about Gary Delp's passing. Though I never knew Gary, he was such a fine artist. I purchased two of his pieces that were on display at Muses Bookstore in 1981 and I still value them highly. Rest in peace!

Frank Smith

April 22, 2023

Coach Delp and my Dad Leonard Jedrzejewski coached Freedom High School Team and made us strong and intelligent men. I just found out about Coach Delp´s passing and apologize for not being there. He was a wonderful man and a spirit that will not be forgotten. Coach Delp and my Dad can now coach together again in heaven. Thank you Coach and God Bless your family.

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