Just before sunrise, surrounded by family in his home, Jerry MacGwyn Wingate Sr. went to be home with Jesus on June 21, 2024. He was born to Walter & Faye Wingate on November 22, 1933. During his 90 years on this earth, he was a true example of a Godly man, a loving husband for 66 years, a father of three boys, a grandfather to six and a great-grandfather to six.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son Cody.

Surviving is the love of his life, Wanell Cox Wingate. Two sons and daughters-in-law Jerry M. Wingate Jr. "Macky" & Phyllis, Daniel & Jamey Wingate and Daughter-in-Law Karen Wingate. Grandchildren: Sarah & Jeremy Trimble, Renea & Jake Dowling, Israel Wingate, Mary Ellen, Laura and Zack Wingate. Great-Grandchildren: Hannah, Levi, Lane, Clay, Jace & Isaac. Sister-in-Law Rita Lane Parks and nephews Sam & Kim Parks and Tim Parks.

Greeting you with a handshake and a smile were a few of his signature qualities.  His love for farming and Hereford cattle can be seen throughout his whole lifetime. Six days of the week you would find him at the shop, in the hay fields, feeding, or at Buck Mountain where he kept cattle in the summer.  His farm name "Poor Man's Farm" came from Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". He was humble and always enjoyed being called "Poor Man".

Family was important to him, but you didn't have to be blood to be loved by him. Jerry never knew a stranger. He enjoyed figuring out what family you belonged to and would almost always be able to tell you a story about them.  He was known among the community for always being willing to help others.

Jerry was an amazing mechanic and had a knack for coming up with unique fixes or handy ways to do things. He served the country as a mechanic in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1957 to 1963. He loved Willys Jeeps, anything Ford, and especially his 1953 Ford farm truck, which has several Jerry designed features to make feeding easier.

With a Bible verse on his mind, he was always willing to share and wanted everyone to know Jesus. He served the Lord as a Deacon and Trustee of Brush Creek Baptist Church where he was also a lifelong member and faithfully attended services every time the doors were open. His wish was that the church would continue until Jesus comes back. Jerry's discipleship also included being a member of the Grayson Gideon Camp and you could guarantee he always had a Gideon Testament in his pocket. He also served as a Noble Grand in the Grayson County Odd Fellows Lodge.

A lifetime of memories will be held by many and a legacy that will be shared with future generations.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers, but especially Debbie Madden, the staff of Blue Ridge Home Health and Mountain Valley Hospice.

Funeral Services will be Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at Brush Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Grayson Gideon Camp. The family also asks for food contributions to be brought to the church on Monday for a meal following the service.