Dr. C. Gerald Van Dyke

Dr. Cecil Gerald Van Dyke, age 85, passed away on May 13, 2026. Born on February 4, 1941, in Effingham, Illinois, he was the son of the late Cecil Garrett Van Dyke and Vera Alice Madden Wiseman Van Dyke. Gerald was born into a household blended from both his parents’ previous marriages, which included his older siblings: Warren, Verna Belle, Elanda, and Marilyn. Later, his younger sister, Julie, was born, completing the family.

As a highly active and adventurous child, Gerald kept everyone on their toes, frequently getting into mischief and surviving his fair share of close calls. By middle school, his endless energy found its perfect outlet on the basketball court, where he completely dominated the game as the team’s star player and leading scorer. His athletic talents extended beyond the court; as an eighth grader in 1955, Gerald made sports history by setting a new Illinois state record in the 400-meter race.

Gerald discovered his profound lifelong passion for botany while earning his bachelor's degree at Eastern Illinois University. He went on to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois, where he earned his PhD in Plant Pathology in 1968. That same year, he began his storied 38-year career at North Carolina State University (NCSU) with a postgraduate appointment doing research involving fungi—proudly joking to anyone who would listen that he was a "funguy" to be around. He went on to become a professor of Botany and Plant Pathology, teaching at NC State until his retirement in 2006. During his tenure, he earned many teaching and advising awards, secured numerous grants, published over 50 articles and abstracts, and regularly presented at scientific meetings. Gerald was renowned among his students for his dedicated teaching style; he famously memorized the name of every single student by creating custom seating charts and taking individual photographs, even in lecture halls holding over 200 students. He also loved to dress up in costumes to visually demonstrate photosynthesis and other important botanical concepts.

In the early 1970s, an invitation to a Bible study forever changed Gerald's life when he came to know Jesus personally and trusted Him to be his Savior. Shortly after, he began reading about creation science, which led him to co-found the Triangle Association for the Science of Creation (TASC) alongside fellow Christian professor Dr. Donald Hamann. Gerald dedicated many years of service to TASC as both its president and a board member. He frequently traveled to churches and various gatherings to deliver talks on creation science. Additionally, in the 1980s, Gerald and his former wife, Susan, were instrumental in the homeschool movement, helping to start and run North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE).

Outside of his academic and ministry pursuits, Gerald was a gifted craftsman. For the last 30 years of his life, he enjoyed creating beautiful wood carvings, which he loved giving away as wedding presents to his daughters and grandchildren.

In 2011, Gerald fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing his beloved mountain cabin, which he meaningfully named "The Sanctuary." Upon buying the cabin, he dedicated it to the Lord alongside his dear friends, Arnie and Marcia Oltmans, and Wayne and Jill Buhler. The cabin became a hub of fellowship, laughter, and shared labor as they worked together to maintain the property over the years. Driven by a generous heart, Gerald opened the doors of "The Sanctuary" to countless people, offering it as a restful retreat for others to enjoy.

He is survived by his daughters: Kimberly Phillips (Craig), Anna “Kate” Fitzgerald (Barry), Amanda Stonehouse (Dave), Emily Kirkman (Nolan), and Sallie Denning (Stephen); 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; sister: Julie McClure (Chip); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on May 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park (7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC). The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In honor of Dr. Van Dyke's 38 years of dedicated service to NC State, attendees are warmly encouraged to wear Wolfpack red to the service.

Flowers are accepted; however, memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Support Services or The Study Center at NC State (links found below).

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