Wilkes EDC Board Member, Past Chair, Executive Committee Member, LEAP Forward Investor | 2013 to 2025
We honor and remember J. Terry Bumgarner, a dedicated leader, community champion, and dear friend to Wilkes EDC and many in Wilkes County and beyond. Terry passed away suddenly on May 17, leaving behind a legacy of service that helped shape the trajectory of Wilkes County for the better.
Terry served on the Wilkes EDC Board of Directors since 2013, including four years as Chair and nearly a decade on our Executive Committee. His contributions were both wide-ranging and deeply rooted, from helping guide real estate development projects like the Wilkes Commercial Business Center and Lane’s Drive site to sharing his experience, steady leadership, and vision during key moments of growth and change.
Terry believed in the power of economic development not as a concept, but as a force to improve lives. He brought warmth, humility, and relentless dedication to every meeting, always showing up with sharp insight and an open hand to help. His service was marked by consistency, generosity, and care for this work, this community, and the people around him.
His influence extended well beyond our organization, with decades of service to Wilkes Community College, regional economic development efforts, local business ventures, and countless civic boards. But among all those roles, we knew him best as a kind and trusted advisor, a tireless advocate for Wilkes, and a friend.
Terry will be deeply missed by the Wilkes EDC team, our board, and staff. We are grateful for his legacy and better for having served alongside him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bumgarner Scholarship Fund, c/o Wilkes Community College, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Visit Journal Patriot to read a full obituary for J. Terry Bumgarner: Terry Bumgarner, business and WCC leader | News | journalpatriot.com