Dr. Gary K. Laney

Dr. Gary K. Laney, age 69, of Marion, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 11, 2019 at his residence, following a long courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side. The son of the late Berry and Jeanette Haynes Laney, he was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on May 1, 1950.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lewis and Alma Lister.

Dr. Laney was the teacher for the Senior Men’s class at Zion Hill Baptist Church for 40 years, a member and past president of the Marion Lion’s Club; and a member of the Board for the Blue Ridge Terrace apartments. He also enjoyed playing golf, riding motorcycles on the parkway and cruising with the Miata club.  Working outside in the garden was one of his passions, but above all spending time with his grandsons.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1968. At Western Carolina University he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education as well as an Education specialist degree. He would then further his education at UNC Greensboro with a Master of Science in business education followed by a Doctor of Education. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Biblical Studies from the Foothills Baptist Bible College for his love of learning and sharing that passion with others.  Dr. Laney had also taught at the college for 5 years until his health no longer permitted.  He served 11 years as principal of McDowell High School and finished his education career as assistant superintendent of McDowell County Schools. During his time in the educational system he was known for always putting the needs of his students first.

During his life he overcame adversity beginning with polio at the age of 5. His strong faith in God and love for his family gave him strength to persevere through all he faced. He was an inspiration to us all, the way he battled the last 6 and a half years of his life against cancer.  

Dr. Laney is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Debra Lister Laney; two sons, Bryan Laney and wife, Chelsea and Barry Laney and wife, Natalie; one sister, Marie Laney Franklin; and two precious grandsons, Rett and Walton Laney.  He is also survived by a niece, Tess Franklin Porter (Dirk); one nephew, Jody Franklin (Holly); two great nephews, Tyler Porter (Caitlyn) and Zach Franklin; one great niece, Taylor Franklin Noblitt (Matt); and one great-great niece, Remi Jo Noblitt; one special aunt, Mavis Rogers; many special cousins, who remained close through the years; sister-in-law, Judy Lowe (Jerry); and brothers-in-law, Mike Lister (Pat), David Lister (Kim) and several nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Walker, Rev. Jimmy Upton and Brother Austin Elkins officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated, but those wishing to make a memorial donation in Dr. Laney’s memory are asked to consider, Dr. Gary K. Laney Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Foothills Baptist Bible College, 1036 Zion Hill Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Marie Franklin, Larry Ramsey for his faithful Sunday afternoon calls, the girls at DaVita Dialysis, and last but not least, the staff of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills & Palliative Care for all the support they showed Dr. Laney and his family during his time of illness.