Garry King Umstead

Garry King Umstead, 60, passed away February 13, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 25, 1953, in Garner, NC, Garry graduated from Garner High School in 1971 and was an Eagle Scout with Troop 343 at McCullers. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975. Garry married his high school sweetheart and lifetime teammate, Susan Morrison Umstead, in 1977. After working as public school teachers in Eastern North Carolina, Garry and Susan moved to Raleigh, where he started Umstead Construction. Over 34 years, Garry renovated some of the most beautiful homes in Raleigh. Garry and Susan remained active in their church, West Raleigh Presbyterian, and he also volunteered as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 207 in Raleigh. The Umsteads started their family in Raleigh in 1984. Garry is survived by the love of his life and wife of 36 years, as well as his children, Sarah Umstead Walker and Christopher Walker, Kelsey Umstead Jernigan and Edward Jernigan, Garrett and Morgan Umstead, and Jake Umstead. He is also survived by his parents, J.D. and Polly Umstead of Garner, his brother, Steve Umstead and wife Sheree of Greenville, N.C., as well as a large extended family. Garry loved the outdoors, live music, a roaring campfire, a good joke, a cold beer, his dogs, but most of all his friends and beloved family. He loved to travel with his family, especially to the North Carolina mountains and beaches. He enjoyed reading and took an active role in educating his children and supporting their academic careers. He will be greatly missed as a husband, father, son and friend to many. His family would like to thank the many friends and caregivers who supported them throughout his illness. A memorial service for Garry will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2014, at 4:00 p.m., at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. The family will receive visitors at the church following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Raleigh Presbyterian Church or the Duke Cancer Institute.