Friends,

I am saddened to share the news of the passing of Gary York ’65, devoted Guilfordian, generous benefactor, former member of our Board of Trustees and a longtime civic leader in his native Surry County, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. He died on Sunday, May 18, at the age of 82.

Gary was born into a Quaker family in Mount Airy in 1943. He was an active member of Mount Airy Friends Meeting, where a service of worship and celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 22, at 1 pm, followed by a private burial at White Plains Friends Meeting. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Guilford and was president of the Men’s Student Government and an All-Carolinas Conference lineman for the football team. In 1999, he was inducted into the Guilford College Athletics Hall of Fame, and from 2003-09, he served on the Board of Trustees. His son, Alan, graduated from Guilford in 1999.

After earning his MBA from Bucknell University in 1968, Gary joined the family business, York Oil Company, eventually establishing twenty-two Neighbors convenience stores in the Yadkin Valley and Piedmont Triad regions before selling the company in 2006. His deep interest in communicating about the people in his community led to his purchase of 100.9 WIFM Radio in 2004, for which he was President and CEO.

While he was successful in business, Gary’s real passion was in serving his community. For 33 years he published a monthly newsletter, “The Communicator,” that highlighted community events and personal stories. He was a Surry County Commissioner, member of the Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education and a UNC-TV Trustee. Earlier this year he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.

When I visited with Gary a few weeks ago, after he had suffered a severe stroke, he could barely speak. But before I left, I asked for his advice for me as the new acting president here, he said simply, “Just do right.” 

That sums up Gary’s lifelong commitment to integrity and stewardship. We are grateful for his life and his devotion to his alma mater. Please hold his wife, Charlotte, and their family and friends in the Light as they adjust to their loss.

Warmly,

Jean Parvin Bordewich 
Acting President