Kenneth "Ken" Lee Bumgarner

Kenneth "Ken" Lee Bumgarner, age 87, of Lenoir, NC, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. Born on February 21, 1938, in North Carolina, Ken was the beloved son of the late Archie and Margaret Gaines.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his dear wife, Sheila Laws Bumgarner, and his faithful companion, Stumpy. He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his children: Greg Bumgarner and his wife Patricia, Melissa Fox and her husband Jack, Steve Bumgarner and his wife Debbie, Tim Bumgarner and his wife Cindy, and Sherry Sheriff and her husband Randy. Ken was blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, William Griffin (wife Janet), Edgar Gaines (wife Karen), Archie Gaines (wife Pam), and his sister, Margaret Griffin, and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, Ken’s memory will be treasured by his honorary daughter, Leslie Wilcox Colvin

Ken was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in the thrill of Nascar races, the tranquility of travel, and the peacefulness of camping. He held a special place in his heart for his second home in the Cherokee mountains, where he spent countless hours surrounded by nature. Raising his family and building lifelong memories with friends at Perkins Park on Wilson's Creek were among Ken's most cherished experiences.

With over 50 years dedicated to Fairfield Furniture where he supported the Red Cross by donating over 30 gallons of blood, Ken eventually established his own business specializing in furniture finishing, a testament to his hard-working spirit and entrepreneur's heart.

A service to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends an hour prior from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, in Lenoir.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Kenneth Lee Bumgarner.