George Richard Bumgarner

George Richard Bumgarner, age 91, born on Saturday, November 4, 1933, in Caldwell County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home in Alexander County on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. He left a wonderful legacy of faith, family, and work.

George proudly served his country in The United States Army, an experience he valued throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Lebanon Baptist Church and actively contributed as a Gideon, underscoring his commitment to his faith and community. A dedicated and hardworking individual, George owned and operated Watts-Bumgarner-Brown Inc. sawmill until the remarkable age of 90. His commitment to his work and his community was evident throughout his life, reflecting his strong character and work ethic. George had a passion for gardening and found joy in hauling produce, activities that brought him close to nature and provided a sense of fulfillment. His enthusiasm for life and simple pleasures will be remembered fondly.

George was not only a successful businessman but also a deeply caring family man who loved and cherished his loved ones. His warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving behind fond memories that will be treasured by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Butler Bumgarner and Laura Ellen Orren Bumgarner, his wife and mother of his children, Jewell Watts Bumgarner, brothers, Arthur, D.L. “Bub,” Norris, Horace, Herald, Sherman, Dock, Jack, and Robert Bumgarner, sister, Alice Eller, and various nieces and nephews.

George is survived by his wife of 31 years, Christine Hemric Bumgarner, sons, Richard and wife Brenda, Greg and wife Tammy; grandchildren, Shonda Barnes and husband Chris, Patsy Wilson and husband Ryan “Sid,” Matthew Bumgarner and wife Kimberly, Lauren Deal and husband Zachary, Michaela Chapman and husband Bryant; great-grandchildren, Alivia Schronce and husband Jacob, Levi Barnes, Riley Wilson, Tate Wilson, Sawyer Wilson, Ryder Wilson, Samuel Deal, Silas Deal, Stephen Deal, Seth Deal, Wren Chapman, Jade Chapman, Alexis Williams; great-great-granddaughters, Emerie and Elsie Schronce; brother, Lindsay Bumgarner and wife Carol, sister-in-law, Ruby Watts Bumgarner.

Friends and family are invited to the visitation on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm at Lebanon Baptist Church, located at 167 Lebanon Church Lane, Taylorsville, NC, 28681. The funeral service will be Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Lebanon Baptist Church at 3:30 pm. Burial will follow in the Watts-Bumgarner Cemetery. Rev. Eddie Jolly, Rev. Zach Deal, Ryan Wilson, and Tate Wilson will officiate. Riley Wilson, Tate Wilson, Jacob Schronce, Chris Barnes, Bryant Chapman, and Matthew Bumgarner will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Sawyer Wilson, Ryder Wilson, Samuel Deal, Silas Deal, Stephen Deal, Seth Deal, Levi Barnes, and Wren Chapman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International Local Chapter, PO Box 517, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

George leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication that will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com