Gary W. Locklear
Leader for "Native American Survival"
Gary has been married to Panthia Locklear for 38 years. We have three children, Nakesha 34; Garrick 30; Autumn, 20 a daughter-in-law, Kimberly, son-in law, Chad, two grand sons and a grand daughter.
Gary was educated in Robeson County North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree. Gary taught in the Public School of Robeson County for three years. Gary spent the next twenty seven years in private industry in manufacturing management, Hunan Resources and Training and development. Gary retired from that post in 2000. Six months later Gary accepted a three year assignment as a 10-10-10 Missionary working with Native American Ministries in the North Carolina Conference. Since then Gary was commissioned a Church & Community Worker and a Home Missioner. Gary’s work remains in the Native American Congregations of the North Carolina Conference with the Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry.
Gary has been a member of the same United Methodist Church all his life where he has served in almost every leadership role in his church. His involvement in the church includes leadership in the district, conference and jurisdiction. Gary was elected to General Conference in 2004 and 2008. Gary’s passion for the small membership church and its preservation, particularly in the Native American Community.