Archie Gabriel, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026. He was born on September 6, 1942, in Statesville, N.C., to the late Jim and Elaine Gabriel.

Archie was a proud graduate of Bandys High School, Class of 1960. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Judy Lowrance Gabriel, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 60 years (as of October 2025) and stood as a testament to faith, commitment, and unconditional love.

A man of service and dedication, Archie proudly served in the North Carolina National Guard, from which he was honorably discharged in 1970. He went on to work for 38 years at the JCPenney Distribution Center in Statesville, where he was known as a tireless worker who took great pride in providing for his family.

Above all else, Archie was a man of deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Anyone who met him knew that he loved the Lord and was never shy about sharing that love with others. He had a heart for the underdog, a compassion that ran deep, and a kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Archie was an extremely loyal friend; if you had him as a friend, you had a friend for life.

Archie is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Lowrance Gabriel; his two sons, Eric Gabriel of Durham and Dr. Aron Gabriel and wife Mandy of Conover/Spruce Pine; his sister, Brenda Laney and husband Ned of Maiden; and his three cherished grandsons, Wade Gabriel of Durham, and Trysten and Layton Gabriel of Conover.

Archie will be remembered as an extraordinarily hard worker, a faithful servant of Christ, a devoted husband and father, and one of the most compassionate people many were ever blessed to know. His life was a quiet testimony of faith lived out through love, humility, and service to others.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 4 p.m. at Concord Church of Catawba with the family officiating. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday before the service from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road Newton, NC 28658 or Concord Church of Catawba, 7618 Monbo Road, Catawba, NC 28609.

Burke Mortuary & Crematory of Newton is serving the Gabriel family.