George Gary Lavender, age 81 of Bostic, died Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at his home.  Gary was born on April 18, 1943, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Paul and Reba Philbeck Lavender.  He was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and graduated in the last class at Ellenboro High School in 1961.  Gary worked in industrial construction in both general contracting and as a pipefitter.  He honorably served in the United States Air Force as a Structural Firefighter from 1961 until 1964 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He loved his family, especially his three grandchildren and was generous and giving to others.  He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and fishing. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Glennette Greene Lavender in 2022, and his brothers, Paul Dean Lavender and Steve Lavender.

Survivors include his son, Todd Lavender and wife Amy of Bostic, his daughter, Lisa Lavender Tauss and husband Frank of Haymarket, Virginia, his brother, Johnny Lavender, his sisters. Vivian Haney and Katherine Lavender, three grandchildren, Taylor Givens, Addie Lavender and Ben Lavender as well as his cousin and caregiver, Sarah Melton. 

The funeral service will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Corinth Baptist Church, officiated by the Reverend Mike Conner and Reverend Ad Hopper.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 until 3 o’clock Sunday prior to the service in the Sanctuary of the church.

Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 767 Pinehurst Road, Ellenboro, North Carolina 28040.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com