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Gary Utz Obituary

Funeral for Gary Lee Utz, 67, of Gadsden, will be held at Rainbow Presbyterian Church Sunday at 5 p.m. Rev. Larry Fuhrman will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Utz was a native of West Alexandria, Ohio, and was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. He attended Ohio Northern University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and later earned a Master in Business Administration at Auburn University-Montgomery. He has been employed at UAB, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and taught at Westbrook Christian School. He also served as tennis coach at Westbrook for six years. He was "coach" to his wife and friends as they were preparing to enter a charity tennis tournament several years ago. He was a patient coach, his help was much appreciated and we had a wonderful time being coached.
Gary enjoyed playing tennis with his tennis buddies on most Saturdays.
He was a member of Rainbow Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and LaDonna Utz.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Gay Utz; his son, Sean Utz, Roswell, Ga.; daughter, Kimberly (Brett) Hickox, Roswell, Ga.; grandsons, Cole And Jake Hickox; sister, Teresa (Jerry) Winkler, Eaton, Ohio; brothers, Mike (Donna) Utz, Brookville, Ohio, and Donald Utz, West Alexandria, Ohio.
Pallbearers will be Jay Alldredge, Clark Greer, Tommy Johnson, Pat Morrow, Tom Purkey and Kim Whitt.
The family would like to thank Alacare Hospice, especially Lori, Crystal, Kelly and Fred, who provided compassionate and excellent care in this journey. The family is grateful for the exceptional and loving care given by his caregiver, Karen.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Gary's memory to Rainbow Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be held prior to the service at Rainbow Presbyterian Church from 3 to 5.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com. Gary's daughter asks that if anyone has special memories of Gary to share please send them to her email address,
[email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gadsden Times from May 29 to May 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Utz

Not sure what to say?





Kay Channell

August 11, 2024

Dearest Gay, as I´ve watched the Olympics marathon, I can help but think of our runs together. Since I don´t have a direct contact...I began to search and ran across the obituary for Gary. My heart hurts for you and send prayers and love to you and the family.
I would love to catch up whenever possible.

Garry & Vivian Wilder

July 10, 2015

Gay, we just learned of Gary's passing and are so sorry. We didn't know Gary that well, but he really seemed like a fine person. God Bless you and the family and keep that "Bonnie" strong faith and attitude......we love you!

Dominique Ray

June 2, 2015

Mrs.Utz you are in my prayers truly sorry for your loss.

Diana & Billy Williams

June 1, 2015

Gay, Our hearts are sad. Gary, he was a fighter and fought a tough fight. Billy and I send our love, prayers and deepest sympathy to you and all the family.

Beth Winningham

June 1, 2015

Gay,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family.

Barbara Burnham and Terry Rupp

June 1, 2015

Dearest Gay, I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. May time and the love of those you hold in your heart, easy your pain and help you remember only happy times.

Amanda White

May 31, 2015

Coach Utz was my tennis coach and I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such a good man. My memories of him are very fond. Praying for you all through this difficult time. Jesus welcomed a devoted servant into His arms!

Valerie Walton

May 31, 2015

Gay and family,
We wanted you to know we were thinking about you and giving you our prayers! We were out of town and couldn't be there for you. Please know we are giving you our positive thoughts and energy and know you will come out of this with positive memories and thoughts of Gary and how he loved life and he helped bring a positive change to others.
Love, Cousin Valerie and Rick

Amanda Mann-Stewart

May 31, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss! I loved Mr. Utz, he was one of my favorite teachers!!! He was so caring and such a beautiful soul! You're family will be in my prayers.

Barbara & Truman Dehner

May 31, 2015

Gay, we are thinking you at this difficult time.

Gary Udaka

May 31, 2015

So very sorry for your loss, my family and I are praying for strength and comfort for you all during this time.

Leonard and Joan Bullock

May 30, 2015

Gay,we are so very sorry for the loss of your husband Gary!Praying God will give you peace and comfort during this time of grief.. Sending our love and prayers to you and family...Leonard and Joan(Hays)Bullock..

Laura Guyton

May 30, 2015

Gay, We were so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Praying for you and the family today and in the days ahead. Jerry and Laura Guyton

Linda Reynolds

May 30, 2015

Gay you & Gary's family are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time!
I was so sorry to hear this news.
If there is anything that I can do for you please don't hesitate to call me!

May 30, 2015

My prayers are with your family at this sad time, may God Almighty be your strength and support. Psalms 83:18. ~I.Needham

Jay Hicks

May 30, 2015

Gay,
We send you our deepest condolences and love.

John Simpson

May 30, 2015

Gay, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tim Ludwig

May 29, 2015

Gay, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Linda thompson

May 29, 2015

Soo sorry to hear this will be thinking and praying for you & family.

Debbie Poelhuis

May 29, 2015

Gay, please know I am thinking about you and my prayers go out to you. So sorry for your loss.

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services

824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901

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