Donald Ray "Pap" Bumgardner

Donald Ray "Pap" Bumgardner, 79, of Gastonia, peacefully passed away Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Robin Johnson Hospice House in Dallas, NC. He was the son of the late Claude E. Bumgardner & Ruth Hudspeth Bumgardner and was preceded in death by his brothers Max "Sonny" Bumgardner, Claude "Elex" Bumgardner and Brice "Baldy" Bumgardner.

Don was first and foremost an accomplished Cowboy, Equestrian enthusiast, Farmer, Mentor and Role Model amongst other things. He enjoyed working in his gardens to provide food to the community he loved and tending the land surrounding his home known as Redlair. He served in the U.S. Army and was a lifelong member of Berea Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC. He was a member of the Gaston County Horseman`s Association and was a Volunteer Steward for The Catawba Lands Conservancy.

Don is survived by not only his loving Family but by an entire community of friends that he came to know and love as his Family.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Sunday October 12th from 2:00-6:00 p.m., at 2271 Rankin Road, Gastonia, NC. Those attending are asked to bring a bandana (of any color) for each member of their family attending the Service.

An Agricultural and Equestrian Scholoarship Fund has been set up in his Honor, as he was a firm believer in education and had a true love for both animals and the land he tended.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Donald Bumgardner Agricultural and Equestrian Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Gaston County, PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053.