CWO Gary Parks Day, USCG Retired

CWO Gary Parks Day, USCG Retired, 93, of Cedar Island, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Kinston.

A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12th at Cedar Island Pilgrims Rest Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Gary will be laid to rest privately at Cedar Island Community Cemetery.

Gary was born on January 18, 1933, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Earl and Lucy Day. He honorably served his country in the United States Coast Guard for more than 26 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. His love of the water and maritime life continued following his military retirement, as he spent 12 years working with the North Carolina Ferry Division as Assistant Deputy Director and as Ferry Captain. Gary also owned a variety of small watercraft that he and his wife Maxine enjoyed using for fishing and exploring the waters around Cedar Island.

Following his retirement from the Ferry Division, Gary and Maxine embarked on a new adventure, travelling throughout the United States and Canada in their recreational vehicle. They enjoyed this carefree life, travelling with their RV friends and family and visiting many destinations as time allowed. Their grandchildren would often join them on some of the adventures. After fulfilling their love for travel, Gary and Maxine settled back at home on Cedar Island, where they lived for over 25 years.

Gary was an active member in the Crissie Wright Masonic Lodge, becoming Lodge Master in 2008.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 71 years, Maxine Harris; daughter, Cathy Stavenger (William) of Cedar Island, NC; son, David Day of Portsmouth VA; granddaughters, Jenny Long (Richard) of Portsmouth, VA, Karen Baker (Brad) of Chesapeake, VA, and Heather Caetano (Rich) of Guyton, GA; grandsons, Wiliam Stavenger (Becky) of Chesapeake, VA, Zack Day of Portsmouth VA, and Daniel Day; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Day; his son, Johnny Day; and his grandson, Christopher Day.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrims Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Cedar Island, NC or to the Cedar Island Community Center Funeral Fund.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.