Mr. Gary Wayne Harwell, 77, of Hickory, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Catawba Valley Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Gary was born on July 29, 1948 in Catawba County, NC to the late Ray Herman Harwell and Wilma Collins Harwell. He was a retired truck manager for Hickory Springs and a longtime member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church. Gary enjoyed playing golf, driving and delivering cars for various dealerships, and eating breakfast with his friends at West End BBQ.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Harwell.

Surviving is his beloved wife, Kay Hildebran Harwell of the home, his children: Scott Leatherman and wife Tonya, Gina Teague and husband Scott, and Cyndi Childers and husband Russell. Also surviving is his brother, Bob Harwell and wife Shirley, sister in-laws, Tammy Gibbs and husband Floyd, and Karen Cook, brother in-laws, Johnny Starnes Jr., Allen Hildebran, Loy Brown and wife Janelle, grandchildren: Mason and Abram Teague, Carrigan Canipe (Ben), Tucker Leatherman, Kyle Childers ( Caroline), Avery, Eli and Kaden Childers, great-grandchildren, Will and Henry Childers, baby Canipe coming soon, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed spending time with.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. at Mount Hebron Baptist Church, with Rev. Eric James officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. at Mount Hebron Baptist Church.

Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or to the Faith Promise Mission Fund at Mount Hebron Baptist Church, 4805 Miller Bridge Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Harwell family.