Gary Leon Pike

Burlington – Gary Leon Pike, 84, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 12:50Am, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 2, 1940 in Alamance County to the late Connie W. Overman and Georgia Juanita Pike. Gary was the husband of 60 plus years to his “Baby Cakes”, the late Decala Mae Morene Pike who passed away December 19, 2022.

 From 2015 to 2022, Gary was Decala’s caregiver, which had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Disease, with his devotion to his beloved wife he vowed to never put her in a rest home, which he never did. Gary looked after her in their home until her final days when she was transferred to the Hospice Home, where she passed away to her heavenly home. Now they’re both in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Gary’s in heaven now where he has been reunited with Decala and all of his family and friends that have gone on before him. He was led to the Lord by his brother-in-law, Rev. Billy Morene in a revival meeting. Decala had prayed for him for several years and one night her pray was answered. She saw his foot step out and walked down the aisle that night and received Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior. Hallelujah, Praise God today, knowing that he is with his Lord and rejoicing with the saints that have gone on and anxiously waiting for the time when Jesus comes back for his bride. 

 Gary was a welder for over 50 years and retired from AT&T (Lucent Technologies) in Kansas as a Maintenance Manager. Through the years he had worked for Burlington Engineering in Haw River, Triangle Welding in Graham and AT&T as a Welder Boiler Technician. Gary was a US Navy veteran and got to travel all across the world, while he was in service. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with Decala and working on cars. Gary was an active member for over 45 plus years at Tabernacle Baptist Church where he formerly was the church treasurer, an usher and enjoyed working the soundboard and CD Ministry of the church.

 He is survived by his loving three daughters, Donna Kay Pike Crawford and husband Allen, Judy Ann Pike Whitesell and husband Kendall, and Tracy Lynn Pike; grandchildren, Alyssa Whaley and husband Shannon, Ashley Elizabeth Crawford, Alan Whitesell and wife, Christina, Lisa Sturgill and husband Charles, and Troy Whitesell; great grandchildren, Becca Barnes, Gabby Barnes, Abby McCann, Kasidy McCann and Nathaniel Robert Sturgill; a sister, Betty Ludovissy; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Decala; his mother, Georgia Pike; a sister, Frances “Frankie” Tidmore; and two brothers, Billy Pike and Bobby Pike.

 The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gary will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Tabernacle Baptist Church by Rev. Norman Fargis with the burial to follow in Gibsonville City Cemetery with Military Honors by the US Navy. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 1:45pm Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

 The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and nurses with AuthoraCare for their loving care and compassion that was shown to Gary during his illness and for the support that was given to our family.

 Memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 515 N. Marshall Street, Graham, NC 27253 or to AuthoraCare, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215. You may send condolences to www.lowefuneralhome.com.