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Lillion Wingate Cain, III, 55, of Hickory, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Wingate will always be remembered for his infectious laughter, razor sharp wit and generous spirit. Every person he has met has been better by his presence. He is survived by his mother, Irene Cain; sister, Jennifer Cain; half-brother, Michael Cain; son, Nicholas Hamby; nieces, Serena Cain and Dixie Cain; and his nephew, Alexander Cain. He was predeceased by his father, Lillion Wingate Cain, Jr.
Wingate’s passions include creating artwork, reading fantastic books, and the sound of the ocean. His love of UNC basketball made him the most loyal of Tar Heel fans, and as a graduate of Appalachian State University he certainly encouraged the Mountaineer football team to achieve their many victories.
Wingate, originally from McDowell County, dedicated his professional life to helping underserved people and education offered them a chance to succeed. He worked at McDowell Technical Community College for nine years, in the admissions department, then as director of the Student Enrichment Center. Prior to that he worked at Western Piedmont Community College in student services. He has also worked as a Sentencing Reporting Specialist for the non-profit organization Repay, in Child Protection Services for McDowell’s Social Services Department and as a residential counselor at Crossnore School. He received a BA in Political Science from Appalachian State University and an MA in Community College Administration from Western Carolina University.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Taylor’s Brewing in Marion. It will be a family moment to share stories and talk about the joie de vivre of Wingate. A burial at sea will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Wingate Cain Scholarship at McDowell Technical Community College at https://mcdowelltech.networkforgood.com/projects/144929-wingate-cain-iii-academic-scholarship .
Beam Funeral Service assists the Cain family. For more information and / or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.beamfuneralservice.com, or call (828) 559-8111.
Posted by The McDowell News on November 11, 2021.
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