Gyon Caton Ensley

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Gyon Caton Ensley, born on May 17, 1934, in Arapahoe, NC to Smith and Manilla Ensley, peacefully departed on December 8, 2023, at the age of 89. He is reunited in heaven with his beloved son, Daniel Ray Ensley, cherished grandson, Dylan Daniel Vick, his parents, Smith and Manilla Ensley, and his sisters, Evelyn Beeman, Analene Lilley, Bessie Pittman, and Martha Terranova.

Left to honor his memory are his devoted wife of 66 years, Jill Mason Ensley; daughter, Sandi Ensley Vick and husband, Don Vick; granddaughter, Michaela Vick Bolick and husband, Eric Bolick; sister, Clara Jean Ensley; beloved nieces, nephews, and the cherished neighbors who enriched his life.

Gyon spent his early school years in Arapahoe, NC, and later, high school, in Bayboro, NC.  His spirit of service led him to the National Guard before his honorable service in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Starting as a mechanic on C‐124 airplanes, he was later promoted to the role of flight engineer on C‐124 and C‐141 cargo planes. His military tenure of 23 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1974, exemplified his pride in serving his country.

Following his military service, he continued his dedication to public service as a Pamlico County sheriff's deputy for 15 years. Even after retiring from the Sheriff's office, he embarked on a new chapter as a long‐haul truck driver before embracing a well‐deserved retirement, relishing life's simple joys.

Gyon found immense happiness in piloting small private planes, boating, nurturing gardens, doting on his great‐grand cat, Cranberry, and secretly indulging his neighbor's dogs with treats. His unwavering love for God, family, and country was the cornerstone of his life.

The family invites all who shared in Gyon's life to honor him during a visitation on December 20, 2023, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Daniels‐Sadler Funeral Home in Alliance, NC.

A Celebration of Life will follow on December 21, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Daniels‐Sadler Funeral Home, concluding in a graveside service at the Oriental Cemetery. Gyon’s nephew, Rev. Charles M. Pittman, Jr., will officiate the service, commemorating a life well‐lived and dearly remembered.