Gary Keith Rockett

Gary Keith Rockett, 80, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born in Morganton on August 3, 1942 to the late Ned Riddle Rockett and Sarah Melton Rockett.

Gary graduated from Pleasant Gardens High School in 1960 and went on to Western Carolina University where he graduated in 1964. He remained a Catamount his whole life and was the first charter member of the Catamount Club. He honorably served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam, and he worked as a regional sales representative for 3M Corporation where he was employed for 30 years.

From the time his father died when he was 9, Gary always put his family first. He sacrificed a lot throughout his life to take care of them. He was a supportive brother and uncle and a loyal friend to all. Gary was a witty man who always left others with a smile. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Marion City Club, and the Marion Lake Club. Gary’s 1967 Austin Healey was his pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Steve Rockett; and his grandparents, Nolan and Bertha Rockett and Oliver and Lola Melton.

He is survived by his brother, Tommy Rockett and wife, Harriet; niece, Stephanie Rockett and husband, Brian Platz; nephew; Jefferson Rockett; and great niece and nephew, Finn Rockett Platz and Vega Rockett Platz.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Dr. Jerry Gamble officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Mission Ministries Alliance, PO Box 297, Marion, NC 28752 or the Catamount Club, 92 Catamount Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or by visiting https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/21052/donations/new. Please note the donation is in memory of Gary Rockett.