Gary Lee Burchfield, age 74, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of Haywood County, Gary was the son of the late Jack and Lenna Jean Burchfield. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and received an Honorable Discharge before returning home to the mountains he loved.

Gary was a graduate of Pisgah High School and Haywood Community College. He worked for 20 years at DuPont in Brevard, North Carolina as a Slitter Operator. After his years at DuPont, he devoted his time to the life he cherished most; his family and the outdoors.

An avid outdoorsman, Gary loved hunting, fishing, and riding horses. He had a special passion for raccoon hunting and his hounds, spending many nights in the woods doing what he loved. When hunting season came to a close, he would re-hone his farrier skills, preparing horses for the trail. Gary truly lived life on his own terms, a life rooted in hard work, devotion to family, and love for the land.

Above all, Gary loved his family. After returning from military service, he built a life in Haywood County with his beloved wife and two sons. His greatest joy was time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vickey Burchfield; his sons, Wade Burchfield and wife Tamara, and Doug Burchfield and wife Jamie; two granddaughters, Millie and Bailey Burchfield; and one great-granddaughter, Chevy Novalin Burchfield.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Gary has been given a new body and is now with his Lord and Savior in Heaven, continuing to live his best life.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home of Canton.

The care of Gary Burchfield has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com