Lydie “Wendell” Gouge, 85, of Grassy Creek, passed away on February 3, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born April 1, 1940, he was the son of the late Fred and Ruth McKinney Gouge.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Wendell lived a life defined by faith, kindness, and a deep love for family. He was married to his beloved wife, Linda Edwards Gouge, for 62 years. He is also survived by his daughters Karen Gouge Glenn (Steve Glenn) of Spruce Pine and Lisa Gouge Little of Morganton; and by his sisters Mary Alice Gouge Wiedenhaupt (Jim Wiedenhaupt) and Linda Gouge Medford (Jack Medford) both of Spruce Pine.
Wendell cherished his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by six grandchildren: Dalton Glenn (April) of Bakersville, Clayton Glenn (Kayla) of Little Switzerland, Emily Rowe (Ethan) of Bakersville, Darren Little, Cassidy Lydie Little, and Ian Little of Morganton. He also leaves four great-grandchildren: Stevie and Johnny Rowe, and Owen and Amos Glenn.
A faithful lifelong member of Grassy Creek Baptist Church, Wendell passed down his love for God and led by example to everyone around him. His kindness was infectious, and his quiet strength and faith touched many lives.
Wendell was a 1958 graduate of Harris High School and a 1972 graduate of the 49th class of the National Hardwood Lumber Inspection School in Memphis, Tennessee. He worked for more than 30 years as a lumber inspector for Henredon, Georgia Pacific, and International Hardwoods. He also served his country in the Army Reserves as a drill sergeant.
He took great joy in the outdoors and in sharing his knowledge with family. His hobbies included carpentry, fishing, gardening, woodland walks, camping, bird watching, and identifying trees and flowers. He loved to write stories and poems and enjoyed playing the harmonica and dulcimer — small gifts he often shared with family and friends.
Wendell’s legacy is one of faith, gentle leadership, and a lifelong devotion to family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 8th from 2:30-3:30 in the sanctuary at Grassy Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow with Rev. Matthew Mills, Rev. Steve Glenn and Rev. Nate Silvers officiating. Burial will follow at Grassy Creek Memorial Gardens.
The care of Wendell and his family has been entrusted to Webb Funeral Home, 128 Roan Road, Spruce Pine NC 28777, (828) 765-4277