KILL DEVIL HILLS — Gary Ronald Church, 82, died January 9, 2025 in the love and comfort of his Kill Devil Hills home. He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald, both parents, and three brothers.
Gary spent his career as a musician – a lead singer in bands that he ran and bands that he was hired by. He had three records published in his career- some made it to the Billboard Top 100. Gary traveled mainly on the east coast, playing music for over 40 years.
After retiring, he worked in the local auto parts industry. He, Jackie, and his brother-in-law, Tim, moved to OBX in 2005. Gary shared his love of music with Tim until Tim’s death in 2021. They had a special bond, and Gary cared for Tim as his own son. While he had trouble singing due to lung disease, his love of music never left him.
Gary’s survivors include his wife of 45 years, Jackie; daughter, Tammy Whitmore of Gloucester; granddaughters, Deanna Spain, Tiffany Whitmore, and Sierra Church; grandsons, Chad Whitmore and Zachary Church; six great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Gene Sutton (Martha) and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and many, many friends and several surviving band-mates.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations to either the local SPCA or the local Special Olympics, as he loved animals and supported Tim’s Special Olympics efforts over the years. Gary’s preference for cremation will be honored, and his Celebration of Life will be held January 25, 2025, at 2 pm at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. The Church family extends special thanks to Lauren, Candy, Robin, and the Amedisys Home Health Care team. Please share condolences with the family via the online register at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
