James Leroy Pavey

James Leroy Pavey, Sr., 91, of Gatesville, NC passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Born in Norfolk, VA on April 19, 1934, James was the husband of 72 years and was preceded in death on December 9, 2025 by his wife Eva Daw Pavey. He was the son of William Kellogg Pavey and Ellen Oldfield Pavey, both deceased. James held many jobs during his life but spent many years as an automotive mechanic at his brother Edwin’s garage. Later he worked for more than 20 years and retired from Wal-Mart as a people greeter.

In his spare time, James enjoyed working in his garden and creating beautiful works of art through his woodworking. James loved people greeting at Wal-Mart and was known by everyone as “Pappy”. He had a love for his animals.

Survivors include his two daughters, Gracie Pierce (Sidney), Mary Bunch (Michael), four 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, and a daughter in law Marilyn Pavey and his siblings, Edwin, Walter, Ernest, Mildred, Helen and Raymond Pavey.

A time of visitation and celebration of James and Eva’s lives will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, Gatesville, NC.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Pavey family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com