Gary Wayne Isenhour

Gary Wayne (Lupe) Isenhour. The nickname Lupe was given to him by his father Harvey (Ike) who met a small child in Japan when serving in World War II. The child's name was Lupe, and when Gary was born he reminded Harvey of the little boy in Japan that he had befriended, so he gave Gary the nickname Lupe. So today people still know Gary by the name Lupe. He was born in Mooresville, NC on February 18, 1958, and ended his journey on this earth, September 10, 2026 at his home in Lexington, NC. Gary was pre-deceased by his beloved parents Harvey Eugene Isenhour and Alma Howard Isenhour, his son Christopher Cole Isenhour, his nephew Justin David Isenhour, his brother Dwight David Isenhour and his brother-in-law Tommy Freeze. He is survived by his brother Billy Isenhour and wife Marsha of Clyde, NC; his sister Glenda Freeze of Wilkesboro, NC, a niece Lisa Freeze, nephews Bryan Freeze, Garret Isenhour and Nicholas Isenhour, and many cousins; and fur babies, General and Myrtle. As a young boy, Gary spent his summers riding with his father Harvey to deliver DeLuxe Ice Cream and going to concerts with his brothers Billy and Dwight. Gary was a born again Christian and was baptized at Southside Baptist Church. Gary had many stories to tell and many friends he grew up with on the "Mill Hill" in Mooresville. Gary graduated from Mooresville Senior High School. He played football for the Mooresville Blue Devils and was "All County Linebacker" proudly wearing #54 jersey. A force to be reckoned with, his coach Gary Karriker told him he had to stop hitting the opponents so hard he was cracking too many helmets and they could not afford to buy anymore. After graduation, Gary went to work for Vernon Nantz Brick Laying, then on to Duke Power Nuclear Station working as a pipe fitter. After leaving his homes in Mooresville and Denver he moved to Lexington, NC to be a counselor at Davidson Alcoholic Care under guidance of then director Carl Epley, then later working for Conrad & Hinkle as a meat cutter. Gary loved food and loved to cook it. After leaving there because of declining health, he spent time studying and researching his ancestry the Cherokee Indians, helping neighbors with yard work, grilling and watching sports on TV- mainly NFL - his favorite team back in the day was the Oakland Raiders and recently the Carolina Panthers. Of course he also loved basketball and his favorite team was the UNC Tarheels. In the last few years, Gary struggled with debilitating health issues and was confined to his home. Gary was upbeat and positive in his conversations and never complained. From Gary's siblings, a special thank you and much gratitude to friends who cared for Gary these last years by running errands, paying bills, bringing food and spending time with a great and loyal friend. God's Blessing on Sally, Wes, J5, Kayla, Santiago, Dennis, Barry, Shannon, and many more who cared for Gary. Gary was a loving brother and friend to many. He is greatly missed already. A visitation with Gary's family will be on Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2 - 4 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Humane Society of Davidson County, 1120 Piedmont Drive, Lexington, NC 27293 or PO Box 1791, Lexington, NC 27293. Phone 336.248.2706 Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, NC, is serving the Isenhour family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Gary Wayne Isenhour

February 18, 1958 - September 10, 2026