Donald Keith “Buzz” Bumgarner died peacefully on December 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on October 13, 1937, to Robert and Mattie Sherrill Bumgarner in Stanley, NC. He graduated from Stanley High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He went on to serve honorably in the US Air Force. When Don returned to Stanley, he was heavily involved in the Stanley Optimist Organization and coached youth football for many years. He enjoyed watching football, baseball, playing church softball and enjoyed many rounds of golf. Don especially loved fishing at the beach with his son’s and grandchildren. He was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church of Stanley and was instrumental in starting the Food Pantry and Help Fund helping many members of the community.

He married Glenda Coffey Bumgarner in 1963 and they went on to have three children: Keith, John David and Caroline. He has 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, sisters Peggy Sue Bumgarner, Patsy Ruth Handsel and brother; Tim Bumgarner. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; Glenda Bumgarner, son; Keith Bumgarner and wife Sandra and grandchildren; Hunter, Taylor, Sabrina and Stephen, and great-grandchildren Jordan and Peyton. son; John David Bumgarner and wife Melanie and children; Mason, Cooper and Reese, daughter; Caroline B. Tate and husband Jeremy and children Darby, Bailey, Chloe, Travali, Jayden, Jaycee, and great-grandson Hayzen; brother Tommy Bumgarner.

Don also leaves behind life-long best friends and travel companions Kay and Norman Sisk and niece Lisa Bentley. Lisa made it possible through her help, humor and compassion for Don to remain in our home.

We are thankful for the fantastic nurses, Victoria, Angie, and Ashton who took such good care of him.

Burial will be at the Stanley Cemetery, Stanley, NC on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm with Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist on Common Ground, Stanley. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Help Fund at First United Methodist Church in Stanley.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is caring for Mr. Bumgarner's family.