Terry Bumgarner

Year Inducted: 2026

Joseph “Terry” Bumgarner, Sr. was a respected business leader, civic servant, and lifelong advocate for education and community development in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Born on May 2, 1946, to Joseph Clinton Bumgarner and Ruby Rhymer Bumgarner, Terry’s life was shaped by strong family values, integrity, and an unwavering belief in serving others.

A 1964 graduate of West Wilkes High School, Terry continued his education at Forsyth Technical College in Winston-Salem. He went on to build a successful career in business, becoming owner and operator of Bumgarner Services, and previously owning King Sash and Door and Lovette Company. Known for his reliability, fairness, and quiet professionalism, Terry earned the trust of colleagues, employees, and clients alike. His approach to business was grounded in honesty and hard work, and he believed success carried a responsibility to help others succeed as well.

Terry’s most enduring contributions were made through decades of civic and educational leadership. He served on the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees and the WCC Foundation Board for more than 40 years, including as Trustee Board Chair from 2017 to 2021. His dedication to Wilkes Community College helped expand access to education, strengthen institutional leadership, and create opportunities that changed countless lives. His commitment continues through the Bumgarner Scholarship Fund, supporting future generations of students.

Beyond Wilkes County, Terry’s leadership was widely sought and deeply respected. He served on the Wake Forest Medical Board of Visitors from 1992 to 2012, contributing to the advancement of healthcare education and services. He also served on the boards of Northwestern Bank, First Union Bank, Central Carolina Bank, and SunTrust Bank, providing steady guidance during periods of growth and change. Nationally, he served as Board President of the Association of Millwork Distributors, reflecting his professional leadership within the industry.

Terry was equally committed to economic development and community advancement. He served on the Wilkes County Economic Development Corporation and the Davie County Economic Development Commission, as well as the Wilkes County and Davie County Chambers of Commerce. His involvement helped strengthen local economies, encourage responsible growth, and support long-term community planning.

A man of faith and service, Terry was a member of Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, where he also served on the church board. He was actively involved in numerous civic and cultural organizations, including the Wilkesboro and Mocksville Rotary Clubs, Wilkes Art Gallery, North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge, Oakwoods Country Club, and Bermuda Run Country Club. Across every organization, he was known as a thoughtful leader who listened first, led by example, and acted with humility.

In recognition of his lifetime of service and leadership, Terry was inducted into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2018, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of North Carolina.

In addition to his many professional and civic achievements, Terry considered his greatest success to be his family. He shared 61 years of marriage with his wife, Evelyn F. Bumgarner, and was a devoted father to Kristy J. Bumgarner and Joseph T. Bumgarner, Jr., and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. Family was the foundation of his life and the source of his deepest pride.

Joseph “Terry” Bumgarner, Sr. will be remembered not only for the organizations he strengthened and the institutions he helped lead, but for the way he treated people—with warmth, respect, and genuine care. A quiet leader and faithful servant, his legacy is one of integrity, generosity, and lasting impact on Wilkes County and beyond.