At the close of the Laity Celebration, Bishop Leonard Fairley announced that Panthia Locklear, wife of the late Home Missioner Gary Locklear, was present at Annual Conference. The Bishop introduced a video featuring clips from the June 2 consecration of the Gary W. Locklear Center at Branch Street UMC in Lumberton. The video featured a number of conference leaders sharing their joy that the center was complete. “Gary’s vision for this building has come to life. We will bring in teams that will have a nice place to stay,” said Rev. Bob Mangum.
Remembering their many interactions, Al Miller, Director of Disaster Ministries recalled Gary’s constant focus: “We’ve got to do something for those who can’t help themselves. We’ve got to do something for those who are hurting, both in my hometown, but across the state and across the world.” Miller noted, “Every conversation ended with Gary talking about this place.”
Ken Locklear, Gateway District Superintendent declared that, “[Gary’s]…vision, his work, his impact shall live on in this place impacting the lives of other people out of the service that will be led from here.”
Mrs. Locklear reflected on her husband’s life and legacy, “He was all about missions; he was all about working; he was all about giving; he was all about helping others. So, this will go on. His legacy will live on.”