David Andrew Bumgarner, Sr.

On December 25, 2025, David Andrew “Andy” Bumgarner Sr. was called home to be with the Lord at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Andy was born on March 21, 1951, in Iredell County, and was a lifelong resident of rural Cleveland, North Carolina.

After graduating from West Rowan High School, Andy worked briefly as an electrician before beginning his career as a mechanic and supervisor with Southern Railway, later known as Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he remained until his retirement. He was known for his personal motto, “If somebody built it, I can fix it.” Even in retirement, friends, family, and neighbors often brought him almost any project to repair when they couldn’t fix them themselves—and it was rare that Andy ever met a challenge he couldn’t solve.

Andy found joy in the simple pleasures of life: fishing, grilling, bluegrass music, and tinkering with whatever project caught his interest. One of his favorite songs was the bluegrass classic “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” which reflected his outlook on life, eternity, and his faith in Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Barnhardt Bumgarner and Harold Levi Bumgarner, and by his brother, Thomas McCoy Bumgarner. Andy’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Jane Parker Bumgarner; his sons, Stephen Bumgarner (Meleah) and David Andrew Bumgarner Jr.; his brothers, Jerry Bumgarner and Dale Bumgarner; his sister, Janice Norton; and his cherished grandson, Sawyer Bumgarner, who was a shining light in his life.

The family will receive friends during visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Old Providence Presbyterian Church, 5140 S. River Church Rd., Cleveland, NC 27013. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Bumgarner. Andy will be laid to rest immediately after the service in the church cemetery.

Although Andy has departed this earthly station and is now on life’s railway to heaven, he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. His deep love for his family and friends will forever be remembered through his willingness to help others—a man you could always count on when there was no one else to call.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with professional services.