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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
Gary Edgecomb Obituary
Gary is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Hollander and his children, Zoe Edgecomb (Dirk Walliser), Sheri Edgecomb (Nicholas Laiacona), Nikki Edgecomb and Tim Edgecomb. He was also the proud grandfather of Morgan Lang, Oliver Walliser Hale, Ezra and Jacob Laiacona and Aiden Edgecomb.
Gary and his wife owned Edgecomb's Imported Auto in Charlottesville, Virginia from 1979 until it closed in 2020. Gary was an avid flyer, and built an Experimental Aircraft in which he loved to give people "tours from the sky" of sights both locally and at air shows around the U.S. In the early 1970s, he and a group of buddies built a dune buggy with a VW chassis and raced it Gymkhana style, winning a basement-full of trophies (some of which Betsy won as well). The dune buggy later became a beloved part of family life, taking the Edgecombs to abandoned houses and other sites of adventure. Now and then, Gary would even submit to pleas from his children and 'do donuts' in an empty parking lot (with seat belts on, of course).
Always quick to help anyone in need, Gary had a strong sense of justice and immense talent at building and repairing things. He was an inspiration to many, especially his children. Whether helping to build a house, offering roadside auto-repair help, or advising on relationships, he was a person you could count on. Some examples of his unending help: taking in runaway teens in a program with Social Services, patching roofs in Homestead, Florida after Hurricane Andrew, and building sheds with the Building Goodness Foundation in Pearlington, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.
Gary served in the Marines from 1960 to 1964. While stationed on Hawaii, he watched friends and acquaintances leaving for Vietnam. He was a Beechcraft airplane mechanic, and servicemen with his specialty were not being sent at that time. He was able to return to the Mainland and start a family.
Gary lived life to the fullest, and wanted to be remembered with a joyful occasion. A celebration of his life will be held in June in Charlottesville, Va. For information about the celebration email [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Edgecomb
Erik Midelfort
May 5, 2024
Gary was a real mensch, a friend and a community builder. A hero.
James Heidish
May 14, 2023
Gary was a wonderful member of Flying Club one, alway giving people their firt rige in a small aircraft.
Pat Murray
May 13, 2023
Sad news indeed, I met Gary in 1978 where he employed me at a Shell Service Center on 29N pumping gas..He inspired me to learn the basics of automotive repair and taught me how to drive my first stick...Old International truck, 3 speed on the column, yes we hopped down 29..He then went to Pantops and opened Edgecombs Foreign Auto Service where I followed until 1983. Gary was like a 2nd Father to me trying to keep me in line, it was not unusual that he'd fire me on a Friday then call Monday morning and ask why I wasn't at work. He taught me so much and although over the yrs we lost touch, I always thought of him when I saw an older Volvo and always spoke highly of him being such an honest mechanic...Surely, he will be missed by many as God has received an amazing Angel...My sincere condolences to Betsy and Children...He was a Great Man!
Erik Midelfort
May 12, 2023
I bought several cars over the years from Gary, and he was a delight to work with. An honest and caring car salesman, defying every stereotype. And a man with a strong sense of mission to help others in need. He was an inspiration.
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Skip Degan
May 12, 2023
Gary and I discussed NY State and VW's a lot.
Helped him with his plane when needed at his hanger.
Wonderful person to be around for sure.
The light is a little dimmer without you around.
Jim Millner
May 11, 2023
I always enjoyed working with Edgecomb´s. Gary was a great "car guy" and Sherry and the employees were the best and that reflects Gary´s establishment of a successful car business in Charlottesville. He will be remembered.
RIP, Jim Millner, Millner Motors
Hatcher Family
May 11, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Gary was one of the nicest gentleman I ever met. I remember him taking my girls up in his plane for a ride and how they enjoyed it. Rest in peace.
Patsy Lambert
May 11, 2023
So sorry to hear of his passing. I was Nick´s nurse in Augusta. I am still with Hospice of the Piedmont. Prayers for your family.
Jan Every
May 11, 2023
Such an amazing life he lead. May his memory be a blessing to his family.
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