James Leroy Pavey

James Leroy Pavey, Sr., 91, of Gatesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, on April 19, 1934, James was the devoted husband of 72 years to Eva Daw Pavey, who preceded him in death on December 9, 2025. He was the son of the late William Kellogg Pavey and Ellen Oldfield Pavey. Over his lifetime, James worked in various jobs but spent many years as an automotive mechanic at his brother Edwin’s garage. He later worked more than 20 years at Wal-Mart, retiring as a people greeter.

James found joy in tending his garden and creating beautiful pieces through woodworking. He cherished his time greeting customers at Wal-Mart, where everyone affectionately knew him as “Pappy.” He also held a deep love for his animals.

He is survived by his daughters, Gracie Pierce (Sidney) and Mary Bunch (Michael); his sons, Robert Pavey (Kristina), Harold Pavey (Peggy), Richard Pavey (Bonnie), and James Pavey, Jr.; eleven grandchildren, Brian Pavey, Krystal Manning, Michael Lee Pavey, Sidney Pierce III, Ashley Argueta, Amber Bolton, Jessica Rushing, Christopher Pavey, Cherlyn Pavey, and Cheyenne Umphlett; and twelve great-grandchildren, Maya, Brianna, Mason, Zoey, Richard, Abigail, Olivia, Ryan, Anthony, Scarlet, and two more on the way. In addition to his wife and parents, James was preceded in death by his son, Donald Ray Pavey; a grandson, Robert Pavey, Jr.; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Pavey; and his siblings, Edwin, Walter, Ernest, Mildred, Helen, and Raymond Pavey.