Gary Thomas York

Mr. Gary Thomas York, 82, of Pilot Mountain, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Gary was a birthright Quaker, born in Mount Airy on February 21, 1943, to Thomas Baity York and Marian Johnson York. He spent his early years in White Plains, was a member of White Plains Friends Meeting, and graduated from Mount Airy High School and Guilford College, where he was elected student body president. He played football at Guilford and was inducted into the Guilford Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Mount Airy and Surry County Sports Halls of Fame. After college, he became a high school teacher and football coach in Henderson and Surry Central High School in Dobson. He received his MBA from Bucknell University before joining the family oil business, York Oil Company, eventually establishing twenty-two Neighbors convenience stores in the Yadkin Valley and Piedmont Triad regions. He and the staff at Neighbors created the P-Nut Butter D-Lite treat, which is still a favorite in Surry County.

He was always active in civic and community service groups. Gary served as a Surry County commissioner for four years and was instrumental in bringing city water to the White Plains community. He still has a mason jar of water representing his efforts. Gary was a Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education member, as well as a trustee for Guilford College and UNC-TV. He served on the boards of the Surry County Schools Educational Foundation and the Northern Hospital of Surry County. He won “Citizen of the Year” from many civic groups in the area. In recognition of his civic-mindedness, Gary recently received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from the Governor’s office, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina. Gary was an avid youth baseball fan and later established the Surry Pride Post 123, an American Legion Baseball Team in Mount Airy for 12 years. His son, Alan, was also a member of the team.

His passion for celebrating community servants led him to begin producing “People Doing Good for Others” on WPAQ in 1998. This fueled his interest in local broadcasting and ultimately led to his 2004 purchase of 100.9 WIFM radio station in Elkin. He interviewed multiple members of the community, highlighting their positive achievements and getting to know them personally through his engaging questions as a host. Gary also recognized the importance of an adequately funded ambulance service by sponsoring an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the Elkin Rescue Squad. His dedication to the community extended beyond the walls of WIFM to include a photo ministry, advocacy for special needs individuals, senior citizens, and veterans. He published a monthly newsletter, “The Communicator,” now in its 33rd year highlighting community events and personal stories.

Gary was a devout Quaker and an active member of Mount Airy Friends Meeting and a recorded Society of Friends Minister. He cherished his Bible studies with friends and was always seeking ways to serve God, family, friends, and worthy causes.

Gary’s favorite hobby was photography. You could always find him behind the camera capturing the latest high school sporting events around the state and many civic gatherings. He always gifted a laminated copy to his subjects. Gary was a great storyteller and delighted in sharing his stories with family and friends. He was a strong believer in being generous to the community and had a special curiosity in people, never meeting a stranger. Many lives have been touched and inspired by Gary. His attitude and resolve throughout his illness were an inspiration to all. His legacy of faith and compassion will live on. Well done, Good and Faithful Servant.

Mr. York is survived by his wife, Charlotte York of Pilot Mountain; his two children, Garrison Schmidt (John) of Winston-Salem and Alan York (Kyle) of Lynchburg, VA; the mother of his two children, Vicki May York of Mount Airy; and a stepdaughter, Crystal Bohr (Doug) of Pilot Mountain. Gary and Charlotte share five grandchildren, Mayley, Marian Carter, and Margaret Grace York of Lynchburg, VA, Travis Bohr (Elizabeth) of Huntersville, and Savannah Bohr of Pilot Mountain. Gary has two siblings, Anne Fehring (Dr. Tom) of Charlotte and Jim York (Tammy) of Pilot Mountain. His nieces and nephews include Dr. Keith Fehring, Rachel Fehring Wixted, Katherine Fehring, Taylor York, Johnson York, Thomas York, Andrea Miller Lange, and Amanda Miller Colletti. Gary has one living aunt, Rachel Barr of Greensboro, and several special cousins.

The family wishes to thank Gary’s many friends and family who visited and comforted him during his final days, as well as the staff at Northern Skilled Nursing Care and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.

A service of worship and celebration of Mr. York’s life will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mount Airy Friends Meeting, located at 109 West Wilson Street, Mount Airy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will follow in the White Plains Friends Meeting Cemetery, located at 849 Old Highway 601, Mount Airy. Pastor Dennis E. Moore will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Airy Friends Meeting, 109 West Wilson Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the York family.