Gary Stocks

Gary Stocks, age 64, of Harrisburg, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013. The family will receive friends at Providence Baptist Church on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm. The memorial service, officiated by Rev. John Cashwell and Rev. Rody Carland, will follow at the church on Thursday at 2:00pm. Mr. Stocks was born on July 1, 1948, to Ervin Wadus and Audrey Long Stocks. He is preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Stocks Parker. He is survived by his loving wife, April Stocks; a son, Aaron Ward and wife Natalie; a granddaughter, Violet Ward; a grandson, Jaxon Ward; and a sister, Linda Stocks Heath. Gary grew up in Whiteville, NC, graduating from Whiteville High School. Gary earned his Banking degree at University of Wisconsin Madison. He retired from First Citizens Bank as an Operations Manger with 37 years of service. In his love for the ocean, Gary was an avid salt water fisherman and scuba diver. He also enjoyed watching Carolina Tarheels basketball. Gary served in the US Army, completing two tours in Vietnam, serving in Phu Loi and Long Binh in the HHB 23rd Artillery Group and Saigon in the MACV Special Troops, earning the Bronze Star Medal. Gary was a devoted husband, incredible father, and faithful friend to all. He loved his church family at Providence Baptist Church in Harrisburg, where he served as a Deacon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church of Harrisburg, 5315 Hwy 49 South Harrrisburg, NC 28075 for the “ Elementary School Backpack Program” which provides weekend food supplies to children in need. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Stocks family.