Gary Burris

Gary Martin Burris, a dedicated family man, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026 with his wife and children by his side.

A graveside service, with military rites, will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:00 am at White Crest Baptist Church Cemetery in Mt. Gilead, officiated by Pastor Toney Parsons. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bumgarner Family Funeral Services in Troy.

Born on August 31, 1947, in Stanly County, he was a son of the late Bradford and Opal Brock Burris. His life was marked by unwavering commitment to his family. Gary lived a life defined by hard work, grit, and integrity. A proud Vietnam veteran, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

After his military service, Gary had various trade jobs, and dedicated 35 years to poultry farming—a profession he never truly left, because work wasn’t just what he did; it was who he was. He believed in doing things the right way, even if it meant starting over and doing it again until it was right. If something had his name on it, it was going to be done with care, precision, and pride. Outside of work and family, Gary enjoyed Westerns, classic cars, coon and squirrel hunting, and striper fishing.

That same commitment carried over into his family life. Gary was a provider in every sense of the word—steadfast, dependable, and willing to put his own needs aside to support his family and friends. He didn’t look for recognition or praise; he simply showed up, day after day, doing what needed to be done. Whether it meant long hours, hard decisions, or quiet sacrifices, he carried that responsibility without complaint.

He led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and accountability. Gary loved his family deeply, and nothing meant more to him than his grandchildren. He was happiest spending time with them, sharing stories, and passing down values that can’t be taught from a book--values built on discipline, respect, and doing right by others.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Charlotte Bell Burris; his beloved children, Brad Burris (Jaranya), and Kim Kimrey (Joe). He loved being Poppa to his seven grandchildren whom he cherished, Grace Burris, Garrett Burris, Kalyn Kimrey, Colten Kimrey, Julia Kimrey, Jacie Kimrey, and Reid Kimrey; sisters, Lois Morgan (Danny), Judy Vanhoy, Sue Griffin (Ron), and Jan Abraham; sister-in-law, Ann Burris; brother-in-law, David Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Burris; sisters, Janell Cranford and Elaine Thomas; and his brothers-in-law, Larry Vanhoy and Michael Abraham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27517 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the Burris family.