Gary Lee Everhart, Sr.

Gary Lee Everhart, Sr., 76, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at his home in Kernersville, surrounded by his loving family. Gary battled corticobasal degeneration, a rare neurological disorder, for many years and never lost his joy, his sense of humor or his faith that the Lord would heal him by taking him home. And he is healed.

Gary was born on November 2, 1948, in Guilford County, North Carolina, the son of the late Numa Lee Everhart Jr. and Violet Eldreth Bodenheimer Everhart. He graduated from Ledford High School in Davidson County, where he was recognized as an All-State basketball player. It was during his high school years that Gary accepted Christ as his Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service to the Lord.

Gary attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Business in 1971. While still in college, he married the love of his life, Dianne Jumper in September 1968, and they started their family during his senior year at Carolina.

Gary began his professional career at Western Electric in Greensboro before accepting a position at R.J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, where he faithfully served in various departments for two decades, advancing as an executive while earning the respect and devotion of his colleagues. In 1996, Gary and Dianne moved overseas, living in Holland and Switzerland. Together, they embraced new cultures, traveled the world, and cherished visits from their children, family, and friends. Gary retired in 2000 from JTI, and the happy couple returned to Kernersville, where they settled close to their ever-growing family.

Gary was a devoted member and deacon at Woodland Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, where he and Dianne have been consistently blessed by the love, fellowship and outpouring of care from their church family. A man of great faith, Gary exemplified kindness, humility, and service throughout his life.

Gary was an avid golf fan, and found immense joy in playing golf with his sons, church friends, and anyone who shared his love for the game. A lifelong Tarheel fan and proud Rams Club member, Gary celebrated watching five UNC basketball national championships and fondly recalled listening to the 1957 championship (number six) on the radio as a young boy.

Above all, Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His genuine kindness, steadfast faith, and joyful spirit touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dianne Jumper Everhart; his daughter, Lori Crouse (Scotty); two sons, Gary Lee Everhart, Jr. (Carrie) and Jason Everhart; six grandchildren, Ashton, Lorna, Hunter, Emerson, Oliver, and Hadley; one great-grandson, Decklyn; five sisters, Marilyn Garner (Chuck), Karen Everhart, Teresa Hill (Jason), Velecia Jones (Garry), and Annette Williams (Scott); his beloved mother-in-law, Peggie Jumper; cherished sisters-in-law, Kathy Bowman and Cynthia Donley (Doug); and numerous special nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Gary’s caregivers and aides, including Tyler, Stephanie, Lane, Amber, Jade, Angie, Netta, Enoel, Denise and Chris, for their selfless acts of love and compassion. Special thanks go to his granddaughter, Ashton, the first to call him "Papah," for her countless sacrifices, traveling long distances along with her son, Decklyn, to care for and comfort her grandfather. The family acknowledges the love and kindness of all who supported them during this time and are comforted knowing Gary is now in the presence of Jesus, likely sharing stories of the crowns He should bestow upon each of them.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Woodland Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, with Pastors Chuck Garner, Jonathan Bowman, and Tim Gammons officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Entombment will take place at Gardens of Memory Mausoleum in Walkertown at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Trellis Supportive Care, 10 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103PSP & CBD Foundation (pspcbdfoundation.org)