Dr. Roger Leo Gause

Dr. Roger Leo Gause passed away peacefully at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina on June 24, 2025, at the age of 73. Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Union Missionary Baptist Church. Public viewing will be from 4-6 PM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Adkins-Drain Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Stanley Cemetery (aka Angela Faye Cemetery), 307 McMilly Road SW, Shallotte, N. C.
Roger was born to parents Hollins Gause and Carrie (Gore) Stanley on January 10, 1952 in Brunswick County, North Carolina. He was raised alongside his siblings Douglas, Sylane, Wanda, and Persalle, and many extended family.
After high school, Roger matriculated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, becoming a life long Tar Heel fan in the process. He was a well-rounded student, actively involved in UNC's athletic and social scene while also focusing diligently on his academic priorities. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the UNC School of Dentistry in 1977.
After graduating from dental school, Roger moved to Wilmington, North Carolina and established a dental practice on the corner of 7th and Red Cross Streets. At the time, he was one of the only black dentists practicing in the state. He intentionally placed his practice on the original site of the rst black community hospital in Wilmington and prioritized care for the region's community of color over the course of his career from there. He practiced dentistry on that site from 1983 until he retired at the end of 2021.
Roger, or "Doc," as many would call him, loved sports, art, music and culture. He was an avid golfer who loved little more than to hit the links for golf, jokes, and friendly competition with his friends. He was equally committed to civic engagement, serving in numerous community organizations that included the New Hanover County Board of Elections, the Wilmington Townsmen Club, and the Regional Leadership Council for the Boy Scouts of America.
Roger is preceded in death by his father Hollins, mother Carrie, stepfather Carnell Stanley, brothers Douglas and Persalle. He is survived by: his wife, Nadine; his children Yvonne, Lee, Hollins, Alexandre, Sevour, and Elijah; his sisters Wanda and Sylane; his ve grandchildren, and; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
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