Thomas Bryan Gabriel

Thomas Bryan Gabriel of Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford, slipped beyond the curtain of time on his 97th birthday, January 15, 2013 at home and in the company of his beloved family. Thomas was born January 15, 1916, the son of the late Joseph Fesper Gabriel and Nona Sherrill Gabriel of Sherrills Ford. On December 23, 1938, he married the former Inez Harwell of Catawba with whom he recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. Mr. Gabriel was a WWll Veteran, having served in the US Navy from March 11, 1944 to January 21, 1946. He was a licensed electrical contractor and spent the last 13 years of his career as Catawba County chief building inspector from 1968 to 1981.

Mr. Gabriel is survived by his wife Inez Harwell Gabriel; his son Gerald Bryan Gabriel and wife Gennie White Gabriel of Lincolnton; his daughter Jane Gabriel Cockman and husband John Cockman, Sr. of Sherrills Ford; his brother Clifford Gabriel of Sherrills Ford; and his sister Nancy Gabriel Saunders and husband James Saunders, Sr. of Catawba.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Arthur Frymyer and wife Evelyn, Katrina Gabriel Osborne and husband Chris, Joseph Gabriel and wife Erika, Michael Gabriel, Grace Gabriel, Reuben Gabriel, Caroline Cockman Fisher and husband Kelly, John Cockman, Jr. and wife Jennifer, William Cockman and wife Jamie, David Cockman and wife Jessica, Benjamin Cockman and wife Melissa, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Thomas’ true legacy is his Christian life. He will be remembered as a conscientious provider with a generous giving nature; a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.