Obituary: Gary James Kornegay

Gary James Kornegay, 68, of La Grange passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Kornegay, Jr., his first wife and the mother of his children, Janice Andrews Kornegay, and half-brother, Jerry Robert Holland.

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and son. He was proud of his country and served in the National Guard for 16 years and the United States Air Force for four years. After retiring from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, Gary enjoyed going to the river, fishing, tinkering with things, and spending time with his family. He attended La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church and was an alumni of North Lenoir’s FFA. He was an avid supporter of several associations throughout his community, including the Greene-Jones-Lenoir Sherriff’s Association, Grifton Mason Lodge #243, and the Hugo Volunteer Fire Department where he was an honorary member.

Gary never met a stranger; he was loved by all and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Killette Kornegay of the home; mother, Annie Elizabeth Jackson; daughter, Shawn Tilghman and husband, Ben; step-daughter, Tara Dail Minder and husband, Brian; son, Samuel Kornegay and wife, Amy; step-son, Ethan Dail and wife, Hope; grandchildren, Bailey Tilghman, Cooper Tilghman, and Andrew Kornegay, and step-grandchildren, Christian Heath, Bella Heath, Faith Minder, Marisa Austin, Ryan Minder, Evan Minder, and Kaitlyn Minder.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Ronnie Hobgood officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery. Due to Covid -19, the family request that social distance be practiced and a mask be worn. Also, please bring a chair if you desire as the service will be held outside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, 802 S Caswell St, La Grange, NC 28551 or the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565.