Gary Bryant Bridgers

Gary Bryant Bridgers passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, only after all of his children, grandchildren, sister, niece, nephew, and friends made their way to see him in the Hospice House at Aldersgate.

Gary was born on December 31, 1937, at home in Milwaukee, North Carolina.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy DeLoatch Bridgers; his sister, Blonnie Johnson; his three children, Mark (Catherine), Meredith, and Mary Katherine (Brian); his grandsons, Bryant and Malone; and many beloved cousins and extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Suiter and Annie Mae (Bryant) Bridgers; his grandson, William Mark Bridgers; and his favorite dog Phoebe, affectionately known as “Phoebe girl".

Gary was quietly kind, loyal, generous with his time, and witty.  Known for his kindness, he rarely met a stranger and was quick to believe the best in people.  His humor and wit were a central part of his character, especially in the last four years — always quick with a joke or a quip, bringing a bit of lightness to the moment.  You always knew where you stood with Gary; he made his opinions known, sometimes quietly and sometimes not.

He was detail-oriented and methodical — from building ski boats and water skis, designing specialized parts for his company, farming structures, and backyard gardens, he was truly a “Jack of all trades.” He always knew how to fix things the “right way”.  He was famously expert in the use of duct tape before it was a fad, and each Christmas his extended family looked forward to receiving a new roll and a pair of work gloves. Gary was always there for his family, whether it meant responding to car breakdowns or helping with home repairs. His acts of service are lasting reminders of his love.

Gary enjoyed a variety of sports. He was a longtime season ticket holder for North Carolina State University Wolfpack football and an original season ticket holder for the Carolina Panthers. A basketball fan, Gary played on his high school team and regularly watched Wolfpack basketball games with his family.  He was an avid water skier and regularly tried to ski on his bare feet. Both he and Peggy were accomplished Mountainbrook neighborhood tennis players and regularly took tennis-based vacations with colleagues. He also served as a coach for his children’s youth sports teams.

Gary graduated from Conway High School in 1956, where he served as class president and was recognized by his classmates as “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Best All Around.”  His path to success took him to North Carolina State University, where he graduated in 1962 with a degree in Pulp and Paper Technology, balancing school, a co-op job, and helping on his family’s farm.  At NC State, he was a member of Xi Sigma Pi, the national honor fraternity for forestry, serving as vice president in his senior year.  

After graduation, Gary served in the Army Reserves while beginning his career at Westvaco in Charleston, SC.  He later worked for Halifax Paper Company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and then for Livingston & Haven in Charlotte, NC.  He finished his career at McCall Brothers, where he became part-owner and worked tirelessly to support and grow the company even in difficult financial times.  Some said he was “tight,” but all knew that it was this quality that helped sustain the business when the economy ebbed and flowed.  He was a “go to” person when his workers had problems, and he was sure to help them find a solution.  Respectfully known as “Chief,” many throughout his career remarked that he was the best boss they ever had.

Gary’s “other job” was running a farming business in Eastern NC with his cousin, Bill, and his sister, Blonnie.  He worked tirelessly to ensure the farms and forestry land were well run and that additional pieces of farmland were purchased to help the business.  With the help of Blonnie and Bill, they created a thriving family operation. His almost daily conversations with Blonnie and/or Bill kept him apprised of the weather, crops, and farm progress.

Raised in the Methodist church at Bethany United Methodist Church in Milwaukee, NC, Gary’s faith was instilled in him by his parents and was evident in the way he lived — always willing to help those in need and serve others. He was a long-time member of Sharon United Methodist Church in Charlotte serving in a variety of roles.  He also supported Peggy as she pursued her Master of Divinity degree at Duke University and her ministry at United Methodist churches around Charlotte.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gary’s special caregivers, Anita and Nina, whose love and assistance allowed him to stay at home with Peggy until his passing.  For several years, Gary enjoyed four afternoons a week at The Ivey Memory Wellness Day Center where he thrived and charmed all the caregivers there. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff at The Ivey for all they did to enhance Gary’s life while he struggled with dementia.  God equips special folks to serve as hospice nurses and caregivers, and we are grateful for all the compassionate caregivers at The Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, 4012 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205.

An additional funeral service and burial will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and funeral at 2:00 p.m. at Milwaukee Bethany Methodist Church, 4802 NC 35 Hwy, Conway, NC 27820 followed by a burial service at the Bridgers Family Cemetery, 779 Doolittle Mill Road, Conway, NC 27820.

Memorials can be sent to The Ivey Memory Wellness Center (www.theivey.com), 6030 Park South Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 or the charity of their choice.

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