Obituaries
Gary Benny McConnell
( March 20, 1944 - July 23, 2023 )
Gary Benny McConnell, age 79, of Lincolnton, NC, passed away on July 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and close friends. He was born March 20, 1944, in Lincoln County to the late Ralph Douglas and Ollie Wise McConnell.
Gary was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Lincolnton High School. He attended Appalachian State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, a Master of Education degree in 1974 and an Educational Specialist degree in 1976. He served on the ASU Alumni Council, was an Advancement Board Member of Reich College of Education and was a member of the Yosef Club. Gary was an avid supporter of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team and followed them to games around the country including their three National Championship victories in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
A lifelong educator, Gary began his career as a teacher in Lincoln County at Love Memorial School. He also taught at Cramerton School in Gaston County and was a counselor at East Lincoln Junior High before becoming the Assistant Principal there. Gary went on to become the Principal of Park Elementary School and then Lincolnton Junior High before moving to the Lincoln County Schools County Office where he served for 15 years as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel.
As a devoted member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gary served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, was Youth Group advisor and sang in the choir for many years. He was also a Board Member of Lutherhaus, an affordable housing ministry for senior citizens supported by Emmanuel, for a total of 36 years, serving as its President for 29 years.
Gary’s greatest joys, however, were found as a husband, father and grandfather, and spending time with his close group of friends lovingly known as “The Groovy Gang”. Their activities included tailgating at Mountaineer football games, ski trips in the High Country of North Carolina, attending concerts, relaxing at Cherry Grove beach, and traveling in various parts of the world. Devoted to each other for over 60 years, this group has formed a unique bond which continues to be enjoyed by their children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brothers Douglas McConnell and Tony McConnell. Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan Cline McConnell; son Jason McConnell of Charlotte, son Adam McConnell and wife Lisa of Matthews; and grandchildren Hayward Cline McConnell, Ewan James McConnell, Lila Jane McConnell, Ayden Danielle McConnell and Emery Ryan McConnell, and several nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lincolnton, NC, with the Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick officiating. A reception for the family to receive friends will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 216 South Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
Gary was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Lincolnton High School. He attended Appalachian State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1967, a Master of Education degree in 1974 and an Educational Specialist degree in 1976. He served on the ASU Alumni Council, was an Advancement Board Member of Reich College of Education and was a member of the Yosef Club. Gary was an avid supporter of the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team and followed them to games around the country including their three National Championship victories in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
A lifelong educator, Gary began his career as a teacher in Lincoln County at Love Memorial School. He also taught at Cramerton School in Gaston County and was a counselor at East Lincoln Junior High before becoming the Assistant Principal there. Gary went on to become the Principal of Park Elementary School and then Lincolnton Junior High before moving to the Lincoln County Schools County Office where he served for 15 years as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel.
As a devoted member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gary served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, was Youth Group advisor and sang in the choir for many years. He was also a Board Member of Lutherhaus, an affordable housing ministry for senior citizens supported by Emmanuel, for a total of 36 years, serving as its President for 29 years.
Active in Lincolnton Jaycees, Gary served as local President and District Director. He was also an Optimist baseball coach and was active in the scouting program at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brothers Douglas McConnell and Tony McConnell. Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan Cline McConnell; son Jason McConnell of Charlotte, son Adam McConnell and wife Lisa of Matthews; and grandchildren Hayward Cline McConnell, Ewan James McConnell, Lila Jane McConnell, Ayden Danielle McConnell and Emery Ryan McConnell, and several nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lincolnton, NC, with the Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick officiating. A reception for the family to receive friends will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 216 South Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
Posted on 24 Jul 2023
Current Information
Contact
125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521