Fred Wilson Bumgarner

Fred Wilson Bumgarner, at the age of 92, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by family on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Born November 14, 1932, in Alexander County, son of the late Frank Osborne Bumgarner and Thelma Louise Watts Bumgarner Deal.

Early on, Fred was employed by Sipe’s Lumber Company as a truck driver and then was self-employed for most of his life. His numerous occupations included years of managing a garage and body shop as well as owning and operating a commercial trucking business that hauled freight across the United States. At age 62, Bumgarner Towing was created. During this time, Fred and his wife Shirley hauled cars for the public for 19 years until he finally retired at the age of 81.

He loved his church family and was a faithful member of Mt Herman Baptist Church. He also loved attending Country Grace Church on Monday nights. Including his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Gail Bumgarner and Randy Lee Bumgarner, sister-in-law Rosetta Faye Wike Bumgarner, brother-in-law’s Harold Woodroe Mecimore, Lloyd Wayne Mays, and Benjamin William Hines.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Shirley Jean Deal Bumgarner of 69 years, one daughter, Sharon Bumgarner Sharpe and husband Ronnie, one son Frankie Bumgarner and wife Patsy all of Taylorsville; four granddaughters, Brittney Harrington and husband Brent of Hiddenite, Leah Hayes and husband Jon, Alli and Gracie Bumgarner all of Taylorsville; five great grandchildren, Ivy Hayes of Taylorsville, Blake Harrington and wife Jordan, Brycen, Bella, and Beau Harrington all of Hiddenite; sisters, Carol Dean Mecimore and Margie Mays Hines.

Fred’s life legacy was demonstrated through his faith in the Lord. He was a humble man that showed kindness and generosity to everyone he met. People who knew Fred would tell you that he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was widely known as a jack of all trades, and always made time to help others. His favorite past time was riding his golf cart in the neighborhood, while visiting neighbors and chatting for a while.

The family would like to express gratitude to his physicians, Dr. Joel and Amy Inman and Alexander Hospice with their team of nurses. A special thank you to Pastor Paul Schronce and Pastor Dwight and Sharon Austin as well as caregivers Penny Harris and Karen Lackey. The family would like to thank the church families, friends, and neighbors for their support and encouragement during this time.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 27 at 12:30 p.m. at Mt Herman Baptist Church, with funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Paul Schronce and Pastor Dwight Austin will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Pallbearers include: Terry Deal, Gregg Deal, Justin Bumgarner, Jimmy Mays, Blake Harrington, and Brycen Harrington. Honorary Pallbearers: Beau Harrington, Kenny Jones, Floyd Hayes, and John Carrigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt Herman Baptist Church and/or Alexander Hospice, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Fred Wilson Bumgarner. .

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