Gary L. Withers, NCC, NCSC (aka Counselor Gary), age 73, of Hickory, NC, passed away at Catawba Valley Medical Center, after a long and hard fought battle with complications from Diabetes and Lung Disease. Gary went to his Heavenly home to be with the Lord on March 20, 2025. He was the son of the late Marshall Withers of Denver, NC and the late Mildred Withers, of Lincolnton. He is survived by his wife, Lyndon, of Hickory, and by his sister, Gail Robinson, and her husband, Patrick, of Asheville / Southport, NC; and by his Nephew, David Withers, and his wife, Xylvia of Lincolnton, and by his Grandnephew, Noah Withers, also of Lincolnton. He was honored to be the godfather and uncle to Gary Boyd of Salisbury, and uncle to Lea Boyd Binderup of Lincolnton, and Granduncle to Chandler Hudson and Rev. Matthew Lail, both of Lincolnton. Gary is also survived by long time family members, Joyce Nail of Conover, and Duane Wirdel of Hickory, and by his Uncle Charles “Chuck” Caudle, of Lincolnton, as well as cherished cousins and friends. Many knew him simply as the beloved Uncle Gary, a man who touched many lives with his heartfelt smile, and words of encouragement and support, that showered all those around him with love and laughter, guidance and support, and exuded an all-around comforting presence. 

Gary received his AA degree from Gaston  College, then went on to earn his BA and Master’s Degrees (MA/MS) in Counseling and Education from The University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College) in VA, a private university with a history rooted in the Christian Church. He was one of the first NC State Licensed Counselors to complete the NBCC professional certification programs to obtain his National Certified Counselor (NCC) Credential for meeting the highest National Standards for the General Practice of Counseling and in addition obtained his National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) Credential. He also earned a post-masters certificate in school counseling indicating his expertise for specializing and working with students in K-12 school settings. He has counseled youth of all ages and over the years even counseled the children of many of his former students. It was not unusual to hear former students call out his name and approach him in public and give him a big hug and a big thank you for inspiring them, and for making a lasting impact in their lives and for genuinely caring about them and their children as well. He was a NC State employee and worked for 40 plus years as a Professional School Counselor in the Lincoln County and Catawba County School Systems, and also mentored other Counselors along the way. He was a member of Long Shoals Wesleyan Church and was a former Youth Leader there, and was a Manager for “Messenger” (Christian Youth Ministry Band), as well as a Boy Scout Leader, and a Camp Counselor for many years leading many youth to Christ. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help others in need. Since living in Hickory he attended Viewmont Baptist Church until falling ill, but he still worshipped regularly watching the live weekly church services with Pastor Andrew Rawls from home until he was hospitalized in critical condition. He was a man of deep and unwavering faith and his love for God, and willingness to serve Him, was evident in his kind, compassionate, and generous nature, along with his unconditional love for others; always putting the need of others before his own. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or ready to listen with a supportive ear. He was respected and cherished by all who knew him and will be remembered for his big heart and Agape love, and also for his quick wit and special sense of humor and ability to always make you laugh. His compassion for others and the legacy he leaves behind and the positive impact he had on others lives will carry on. In addition to his parents, Gary was also preceded in death by brothers; Mark Withers, and Butch Boyd, and aunts; Evelyn Stroupe, and Ruby Withers Caudle. Gary was a huge animal lover his whole life, and was also preceded in death by his fur babies Moxie, Precious, Snowee, Lucky, and Ben, to name a few. 

Receiving of friends will be Saturday March 29, 2025 at Goodin-Drum Funeral Home, 118 S. Carolina Ave., in Maiden at 2 o’clock, followed by the Service at 3pm. Internment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery, 2017 Wilkesboro Blvd., in Lenoir, NC.

Reverend Matthew Lail  will preside over the service. 

Memorials in Remembrance of Gary Withers may be made to “GROUND ZERO”, c/o Scott Payseur, PO Box 8279, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29578. Their Purpose: “Making a positive impact in the lives of today's teenagers, cultivating their faith and transforming their futures”. Or Memorials may be made In Memory of Gary to Samaritan’s Purse designating tributes to assist the recovery efforts for HELENE victims in WNC. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16 

Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged; he has crossed over from death to life."

John 5:24 

Condolences may be sent to the Withers family at goodindrumfuneralhome.com