Kenneth Ray Sawyer

Kenneth Ray (Ken) Sawyer, 79, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2017, at Hospice Home - High Point after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Guilford County on Oct 31, 1937 to the late Henry M. and Lucy Mills Sawyer.

Ken spent his early years growing up on a farm, where he came to appreciate God’s creations of nature and beauty, while learning the meaning of a good day’s work.  From his father, Ken learned about maintaining farm machinery and to work with his hands, both of which led to his life-long vocation in automotive repair.  As a child, Ken developed a love for all things outdoors, including fishing, guns and competing with his friends at anything and everything, and these followed him into adulthood.

Ken attended Allen Jay Schools and graduated from Fair Grove High School after his family moved to Davidson County.  His class recently celebrated their 61st class reunion.

Ken’s first job was with a local auto dealership. There he further developed his skills and love of automotive repair. Ken went into business for himself, starting and operating Ken Sawyer Auto Repair for over 30 years, specializing in 4-wheel drive vehicles. He was also an early member of the Triad 4WD Club and used his interest in 4-wheel drive vehicles to compete in numerous off-road jeep races and tractor-pulls. 

Ken remained an avid fisherman even as an adult.  In his relaxation time, he loved to participate in competitive carp fishing tournaments, which is where he met many of his closest friends.

His appreciation and love of firearms led him to start a business as a licensed firearms dealer and also a custom gun builder.  His love for competition led him to participate in competitive turkey shoots. Ken turned his love for a challenge into a successful business designing, machining and building customized competition shotguns. Many of his friends and customers said he was one of the best in the business.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 59 years, Alma Yip Sawyer, of High Point, where they are long-time members of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church.  His is also survived by three sons:  Frederick (Rick) Sawyer and wife Michele, of High Point; Gary Kenneth Sawyer and wife Sheri, of Asheville, NC: and David Keith Sawyer of Little Rock, AR.  His granddaughters are Regan Sawyer of Birmingham, AL and Erica Sawyer of High Point and Chapel Hill, NC.  He leaves a beloved sister, Judy Sawyer Howard (husband Bob) of Trinity, NC, a daughter-in-law Sunny Bradley of Little Rock, AR, and many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point with Chaplain Craig S. Walker officiating. Visitation will immediately follow in the Life Tribute Center at the funeral home. The Sawyer family sincerely thanks the loving and attentive caregivers at Hospice Home - High Point for the end of life experience they provided our husband and father. He remarked often that the view from his window was beautiful, and we know it helped comfort him in his last days.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr. High Point, NC, 27262 or to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1225 Chestnut Dr. High Point, NC, 27262 or to an Animal Rescue charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made through www.cumbyfuneral.com.

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