07/29/2025
Gary Steve Shuford Sr., age 70, of Newton, NC passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025; at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Gary was born in Newton, NC to the late Charles Preach and Myrtle Shuford.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Ella Shuford; maternal grandparents, Edgar and Sallie Ramseur; a daughter Nikki Shuford; a granddaughter, Monisha Caldwell; two brothers, Ray and Charles Jr. Shuford; and one sister Thelma Shuford.
Gary is survived by two sons, Gary Shuford Jr. of Asheville, NC and Patrick Shuford of Charlotte, NC; two daughters. Latoya Caldwell of Statesville, NC, and Shayna Rippy of Winston-Salem, NC; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold Shuford (Ruth), and Paul Shuford (Alease); one sister, Mary Braddy (Oliver). Along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
During Gary's life he attended Fred T. Ford and was a standout basketball player. After graduation he went to Baltimore City College and also played basketball there. Gary was the first black firefighter in the city of Hickory, NC. He also farmed and retired as a truck driver. Gary loved the Washington Redskins, the Boston Celtics, and the UNC Tar Heels!
Gary was a standout athlete and an overall great man. To know Gary was to love Him. He loved everyone and will be deeply missed.
A visitation for Gary will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Willis Reynolds Funeral Home, 56 Northwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658. The funeral service will follow at 1 P.M. Cremation will follow.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Catawba Valley Medical Center's Oncology Department for taking such good care of Gary. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home to help with the funeral costs by phone at, 828-464-0131.
Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
