Gregory Sylvester Gabriel, 71, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, NC.

Gregory Sylvester Gabriel, affectionately known as “Greg,” was born on June 29, 1955. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, beloved brother and uncle, faithful friend, hardworking provider, and, above all, a devoted man of God.

He was the son of the late James and Hattie Gabriel. He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and graduated from West Mecklenburg High School – Class of 1973.

Greg shared 44 beautiful years of marriage with his loving wife, Sharon Gabriel. They met at the historic Excelsior Club. Their marriage was built on love, commitment, faith, and family. Together, they created a life filled with treasured memories and a family Greg loved deeply.

Greg was the proud father of two sons, Darius Gabriel and Donavan Gabriel. While being a husband and father brought Greg tremendous pride, becoming a grandfather brought a special kind of joy into his life. His grandchildren, Grayson, Kameron, Gianna, and Elias, held an incredibly special place in his heart. Nothing compared to the excitement and happiness Greg experienced when spending time with them. He simply enjoyed being their grandfather.

Greg understood the meaning of hard work, dedication, and providing for his family. He devoted more than four decades of his career to Airgas, formerly known as National Welders. Throughout his many years of service, Greg demonstrated an unwavering work ethic, dependability, loyalty, and commitment to his profession. He was the kind of man who believed that when there was a job to be done, you showed up, worked hard, and did it well. His dedication to his career reflected the values he carried throughout his life and his commitment to providing for the family he loved so dearly.

After dedicating so much of his life to his profession, Greg’s retirement was well earned. It gave him more opportunities to enjoy what mattered most to him — his faith, his family, his friends, and especially his grandchildren.

Greg was a devoted Christian who loved and served the Lord. He was a faithful member of Moore’s Sanctuary, where he served as a Trustee and was a member of the Men’s Booster Club and Men’s Choir.

Greg also appreciated the simple joys of life. He enjoyed phone conversations with family and friends, watching Westerns, cooking outdoors, and reminiscing about the “good old days.” When Sunday came around, Greg enjoyed watching football — especially cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Gabriel; his father, James Gabriel; his sister, Sarah Johnson; and in-laws, Sam Lowery and Mary Joe Gabriel.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 44 years, Sharon Gabriel; his sons, Darius Gabriel (Ebony) and Donavan Gabriel (fiancée, Kendra Ali); his goddaughter, Mechia Stowe; his grand-children, Grayson Gabriel, Kameron Gabriel, Gianna Gabriel, and Elias Tyler; his sisters, Linda Lowery, Patricia Forney (Michael), and Judy Ferguson (Wendrick); his brother, Hubert Gabriel; five sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones.

Greg shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews. He was always there for them when they needed him. One of the many ways he showed his love was through something his family especially enjoyed — his sweet potato pie. These simple acts of love became treasured memories that his family will carry with them forever.

Gregory Sylvester Gabriel leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the faith he demonstrated, the family he loved, the work to which he dedicated himself, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

His voice, his stories about the past, his Sunday football, his outdoor cooking, his phone calls, and, most importantly, his love will be deeply missed, yet the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will continue to live on through his family for generations to come.

Greg was a hardworking man, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful servant of God. His was a life well-lived and his legacy that will never be forgotten.