Gerhardt John Effers

Gerhardt John Effers, affectionately known as “Gary” passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2024 at his home after a very private, but courageous battle with cancer.  The family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, March 18th from 6-8 PM at Joyner Funeral Home in Wilson, NC. A celebration of life service will be held at Joyner Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 19th at 2 PM.

Gary was the youngest child of Karl and Marie Effers, born April 26, 1944 in Elgin, Illinois. His younger years were spent on a hunt farm his family owned and operated, ingraining a love for the outdoors. After graduating from high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 4 years stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He began training as a helicopter pilot in southern California, later moving to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for his first professional pilot job.  His career as a corporate pilot would span over 50 years, flying helicopters, airplanes and jets accumulating over a million safe flying hours. He called Maryland home for over 40 years, residing most of that time in St. Leonard.  There with his wife, they would plant roots and raise their daughter, becoming active members of their community and church. He would eventually retire to Zebulon, North Carolina, and while his health allowed it, he would be an active member of his church and volunteer with the food pantry.

Gary loved his friends and family, beer and good food shared with good company, hunting, fishing, shooting and watching his Dallas Cowboys and rooting for whomever was playing the Redskins.  And he loved his dogs, boy did he love his dogs. He could tell a good story, with a bit of embellishment for entertainment value and always had a joke up his sleeve.  He had a smile that was contagious, but it was as mischievous as it was genuine and kind. He was quiet about his faith, but it could be seen in the way he treated others. He spent countless happy hours with buddies in the woods, in a field, or on the water.  At the end of his life, he was happiest sitting on the porch of his home talking about life and watching the world go by.

Gary is survived by his wife, Donna Gayle of nearly 46 years, son Gary Effers Jr. (Karen) of Montana and daughter, Jennifer Johnson (Matt) of Greenville, brother, Karl Effers (Colorado), grandchildren, Gunnar, Kenly and Tanner of Greenville, nieces Sherry Sorrenson (Illinois) and Laurie Effers (Colorado) and many, many friends and his wife’s many, many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Marie Effers, his sister Ottilie Effers Freund and brother in law, Eugene Freund, sister in law Lynn Effers, and niece and nephew Cindy Ramsey and David Effers, several good friends and a few great dogs.

 Gary was a USAF veteran, 11th degree Mason, FAA certified pilot and flight instructor, member of Christ Church in Port Republic, Maryland and Zebulon United Methodist Church in Zebulon, North Carolina.

He will be missed terribly by his family and friends, but they may take comfort in knowing he’s cracking the Coors light and casting a line in the water, singing along to the country music playing. Where he is, the weather is always good for fishing and he had many friends and a good dog waiting for him.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Leashes of Valor in his honor.  This organization combines two of the causes closest to Gary’s heart: dogs and veterans. https://leashesofvalor.org/donate/

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.