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BORN
1953
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Kirksey Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Tracey Kirksey; three children, Zack Shields, Blaire Loveless, and Mark Kirksey; sister, Karen Perry; and two grandchildren, Carter and Caroline Loveless.
The family will receive friends 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, with services starting at 3 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Crystal River. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Crystal River Music Ministry. Arrangements are under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home with Crematory Crystal River.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Kirksey
Anieta and Ronnie Boyle
April 24, 2014
We are snowbirds from Kentucky who attend FBCCR in the winter. Shocked to hear of Pastor Gary's passing. A very talented individual who used his talents for The Lord. May God be with his family and give them strength and courage.
Keith Guyton
April 23, 2014
I was a Belmont classmate of Gary and sang in the Chorale with him. He was one of the first Belmont music students to welcome me. We would carpool to and from Nashville and GA and enjoyed many fun and happy times. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Gary was a blessing to so many of us.
April 23, 2014
Tracey, we are so very sorry for your loss of your precious husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Alexia and Peter Scichilone
April 23, 2014
Tracey so sorry for your loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda Baxley
Shearl Spurlock
April 23, 2014
We loved Gary very much he will be missed for a long time so so sorry Tracey our prayers for you & family.
April 23, 2014
I have known Gary back when he was in Jonesboro. I was a rooking in the Church Orchestra Directors position and God sent him to me as an encourager!! I also played in "God With Us" while he was in Montgomery!! He will be greatly missed!!!
Howard Everhart, Gardendale First Baptist Church
April 23, 2014
We love you Gary,you will be missed for a long time. Steve & Shearl Spurlock
Nancy Lett
April 23, 2014
Was so very sorry to learn about Gary's death. You are alla in my prayers.
April 23, 2014
Remembering the faithful service of Gary during his time at EMBC. Prayerfully thinking of you at this time.
Nelda Whitehead, EMBC Prattville, Al
Lynne Tschuschke
April 22, 2014
Thoughts and prayers. Gary was an inspiration to me. Felt so blessed to receive notes from him to return to choir because I was missed. No one will be missed more than Gary. I am so sorry Tracy, you are in my prayers
Lynne Tschuschke
Tracey Hodges
April 22, 2014
Tracey, you and your family are in our prayers. Very sad to hear about Gary. Love in Christ, Steve and Tracey Hodges (EMBC, Prattville, AL).
Liz Davis
April 22, 2014
God best. Praying for all the family.
April 22, 2014
Our first day at the church was the day he was voted on to be the music director. He was friendly always which makes an impression when you are new. I can't believe he is gone.We will miss his friendly smile.
Bill and Vivian Almond
David Bowman
April 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family during this difficult time. Gary and I shared an apartment for 2 years while we were students at Belmont in the mid 70's. A lot of great memories. I am sure he is playing his Cello in Heaven!
April 22, 2014
The love that Gary had in his heart for the Lord was impossible to hide. He will surely hear, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." We are deeply sorrowful at his passing. Mike and Beverly Howard
April 22, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family. Gary and I went to high school together in Thomaston, GA. I remember him as being a very sweet, friendly guy.
Darlene welch
April 22, 2014
Pastor Garys gift from God was his love of music he put his all into everything along with tracey he will be missed at church
JOHN RUFF
April 22, 2014
I knew Gary from 1957 to 1971 in Thomaston, GA. He was a good friend; a kind and jovial person who brightened the spirits of anyone he encountered. We will miss him.
LINDA & JOE & JOEY COLAIANNI
April 22, 2014
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS HARD TIME GARY WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON SO GLAD WE GOT TO KNOW HIM WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TRACEY MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED US
Neil Pelz
April 22, 2014
I will miss him dearly, he was a Godly man always took time out to pray with you and for you. Our First Baptist Church of Crystal River will forget Gary love you brother. Our prayers are with Tracey and family.
Donna Partridge Baldwin
April 22, 2014
I went to school with Gary in Thomaston, GA. I remember him as a kind and gentle person. My condolences to & prayers for his family. God bless!
Jim Loos
April 22, 2014
Gary's love of the Lord and his appreciation that Christ died for our sins was evident in his everyday actions. No trivial daily problems could overcome Gary's joy in being chosen to be in God's family.
That has inspired me to always look for the good in every situation. Thank you Gary.
Joe & Gail Davis
April 22, 2014
Lifting the Kirksey family up during this difficult time.
April 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish the memories of Gary and keep them close. I enjoyed the short time I had working with this precious and talented man at East Memorial.He was such a kind and gentle spirit and will be missed by many. Praying for you and your family Tracey. Bless you.
--Stephanie Jenkins
sheila rodriguez
April 22, 2014
Gary kirksey was a wonderful person and a hard and dedicated worker for our lord and savior. Will be greatly missed. He's resting in the arms of god now.
Monty & Pat Van Ness
April 22, 2014
Pastor Gary's love for God, music and people was clearly evident in his work and daily life. He had an infectious smile that could melt ice. We are very blessed and fortunate to have had him as our Minister of Music. He was a special and dear friend to us and will be greatly missed.
Christina hampton Smith
April 22, 2014
Your posts have helped at times I really needed them Tracey. I wish there were words that I could say to comfort you. I admire your strength and faith in god!! I continue to pray for your peace.
Tony Chastain
April 22, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers from Gary's hometown of Thomaston, Ga.. He was a wonderful and cherished member of the R.E. Lee Class of 1972. We will miss him greatly but always remember his kind heart and graceful presence.
Jim and Diana Madden and Ann Mullins
April 22, 2014
Pastor Gary was such a hard worker and blessing to First Baptist Crystal River, FL - we find great comfort in knowing he is now singing in the Heavenly choir. Our prayers are with his family.
April 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Gary and his family. He will be truly missed by his FBCCR family. Donna
Rodney & Sharon Levins
April 22, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lynn/Jeanne Clements
April 21, 2014
We certainly enjoyed his time at FBC Jonesboro. Sympathy and prayers for peace to the families.
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Strickland Funeral Home - Crystal River1901 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429
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