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Gary Levi Obituary
Levi
June 30, 1957-
July 22, 2012
Hamilton, Georgia- Early Sunday morning, surrounded by family who knew and loved him best, Gary Carlton Levi, 55, passed away at his home in Hamilton, Georgia. Gary was born June 30, 1957 in Bay Minnette, Alabama, grew up in Columbus, and has lived in Harris County since the mid 1990's.
A memorial service for Gary will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at Wynnbrook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus, GA 31904 at 3:00 p.m., to be followed by a reception at the church according to Striffler - Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus.
Gary graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1980, studied for and completed the lumber grading program at Heywood Tech in NC, and then received a Missionary certificate from Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. He worked with his Dad in the timber business until the mid 1980's when he became a fulltime vocational Christian missionary. Over the past 25 years, Gary served various missions and humanitarian endeavors in China, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Spain, Kosovo, Bosnia, Peru, Macedonia and, most recently, Afghanistan.
Gary was active in the local community when not living abroad and was a volunteer leader of Young Life Harris County, a weekly reader at Park Elementary School, and a regular participant in the Front Porch Gang, a non-denominational gathering of Christian men in Harris County. He helped begin the Harris County Hands of Christ, a ministry which focused on providing for practical needs in the local community, and worked with young people in a number of capacities on a regular basis. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and was governed by a compassionate desire to know Christ and make Him known.
Gary is survived by his parents AC and Hilda Levi, his best friend and brother Allen Charles Levi, sisters Beth Levi Leikvold and her husband Greg of Tuscaloosa AL, Linda Levi Bizilia and her husband Kevan of Opelika AL, and Laura Levi Ballengee and her husband Bob of Missoula MT. He also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly as well as three great nieces and nephews .
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Harris County Hands of Christ through First Peoples Bank, Hamilton GA 31811 or at PO Box 642, Hamilton GA 31811.
Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Levi
Don Butler
February 12, 2013
The Gospel of Jesus Christ...When I think of Gary, I think about what he was about. Gary Levi was an example for us, we need to share the Gospel like Gary shared the Gospel.
I am blessed to have known him here and look forward to seeing Gary again someday.
November 19, 2012
A, C, and Hilda - Just found out about Gary's passing. Gary meant so much to me and Jimmy when we lived on the Levi Farm. He touched our lives and I know he will be missed. Chris and I are praying for you.
Lynn Jordan
October 23, 2012
AC and Hilda. Just found out about Gary's passing yesterday. My condolences go out to your entire family. I remember Gary well and his love for the Lord. Great memories of Gary and your entire family when Jimmy and I live on the farm. Love ya'll
Andy Murray
September 18, 2012
I knew Gary from CIU and attended Church with him many times. Great friend and faithful Brother.
Bob Sipper
September 13, 2012
I have fond memories of Gary at CIU. We were roommates his first year there. His passion for Christ carried him beyond the classroom and his testimony will continue on around the world. Like Paul writes, to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord.
Prayed for you and that God's strength and comfort will be your banner.
Frazer Loomis
July 31, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Gary's death. My prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Jack & Jean Harron
July 30, 2012
So sorry to hear such a great man of God had to leave us as we need more like him. We were so honored to pray for him I still have the rock and we have been praying for him. Our prayers now will transfer over to your family as you go through your time of mourning this wonderful young man.
Laura Lowe
July 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Levi family and all who knew and loved Gary. What wonderful memories you must have.
Steve Smith
July 29, 2012
To A.C., Hilda, Allen, and all the Levi family members:
Deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Gary who lived such a good and honorable life. We have many fond memories of Gary when our families lived on Roswell Lane in Columbus. We will keep Gary and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve, Jerry, and Luther Smith
DC
July 29, 2012
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow as promise at 2 Corin 1:2-4.
Cynthia and Debra
July 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ginger & Marty Johnson
July 26, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Marty mourns the loss of "The Best Man I Ever Knew". Comfort is found in knowing that Earth's loss is Heaven's gain.
Jane Williams
July 26, 2012
A vigil in our hearts, around this wide world, ongoing for Gary's mission. He got so much accomplished for all who cherish the hope of Christ, those waiting for hope and those who've found it. Thank you for bringing up such a wonderful son, brother, uncle and great uncle in the Levi's love, so fun and brilliant, seeking the best, willing to sacrifice for the best, and finding daily, the marvelous Maker and Sustainer of the Garden.
With great sorrow for your loss of such a dear person as Gary, and with great courage for the ways in which you all have worked together to know and serve Jesus, bringing everyone you meet this glorious love from beyond, thank you. Thank you for sharing the special ways you see the world and its people. Gary Levi and your amazing family will always be a beacon.
The thunder is sounding here, as I reflect on what I have known and have read of your journey as family. It is profound.
David Roller
July 26, 2012
Allen and Family,
I am so sorrry to hear about your loss. I never knew Gary personally and only knew him through your music and your blog and could relate to him as a former missionary and CIU Bible certificate student.
Our family will continue to pray for yours. I have also passed the obituary on to CIU and theysay they will be praying as well.
Brian McKnight
July 25, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's death. I have such great memories of playing ball and running track with Gary. He will be missed.
Pat Kelley
July 25, 2012
Dear Beth,Allen and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, son, uncle, and friend. We know he is in a better place with no suffering or pain. I hope all of your wonderful memories and the knowledge of Gary's love of the Lord will comfort you in the days to come.
Love,
Pat McKnight Kelley
July 25, 2012
I was shocked to read of Gary's passing. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven.
I would always look forward getting to speak to him when he was at Wynnbrook.
Bill Bearden
July 25, 2012
AC, Hilda & Family, We are sorry to hear of Garys passing, tho inspired by the care, love and attention Allen and your family provided during the tough times prior. Gary and I only shook hands a few times but the kindness recieved during just those few times gave me a glimps of a giving friend. In reading Gary's obituary it is revealed to me that his hand touched many people, people looking for that kind of kindness. I have been keeping up with Allens blog most of this year. Songs of joy, family, home life as well. We have been praying for you and will continue too. Our most sincere condolences to your family. Lifting and loving yall. Cousin Bill, Cissy, Mickey & Ed Bearden
Tonja Edenfield
July 25, 2012
I am so saddened to hear of Gary's illness and death. He was such an inspiration to everyone he met. He subbed for me many times and through that job opportunity I got to know him. He will be missed greatly by many. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Pace
July 25, 2012
Your guiding light will be missed on the next steps of the journey. We are grateful for the steps you left for us to follow.
Kaci Holland
July 24, 2012
Prayers to your precious family!
Chris Norah
July 24, 2012
To Gary's Family, especially his brother. I thank God for the opportunity of meeting both of you. The precious moment we shared in my office, I will never forget how God bless all of us at that very moment. My prayers are with you and your family. Love, Chris Norah
July 24, 2012
I feel honored to have known Gary. He was a blessing to all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chris Sargent (Columbus, GA)
Dan Cabaniss
July 24, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about Gary's death, and my heartfelt condolences to Allen and the rest of the Levi family.
Gail Rai
July 24, 2012
You are in my prayers and my heart goes out to you all.Please accept my condolences. Gail Rai (Pine Mtn. Ga.)
July 24, 2012
Just got home from the memorial service, have good memories of Gary, we had some fun in our younger years. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Rex Milner
Dicky & Carol Yarbrough
July 24, 2012
Gary was a good neighbor, friend, and brother in Christ. He was our gain and now he is heaven's gain. We are celebrating his life and looking forward to a heavenly hug someday.
Earl Barfield
July 24, 2012
You will be missed Brother. You touched many young people's lives including my daughter. She thought a lot of you. May God Bless your family. They know that they will see you again.
Mark Sigmund
July 24, 2012
I only knew of Gary through Mr. and Mrs. Levi, but was deeply influenced by his life lived in Christ. Faith in action is a powerful force in this world. I know that Gary has been welcomed home with celebration and joy.
Beverly Widener Pike
July 24, 2012
Remembering a life well lived. "we are not like those without hope" I Thess 4:13-18 Finally home!
July 24, 2012
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Levi family as we knew Gary had been ill and has now passed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. There is no doubt that his passing will be a great loss to all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy,
Tara Roney and Lillian Hanscomb ( Westech Hearing )
Carolyn Tidd
July 24, 2012
My heart goes out to the Levi family, which truly includes all those who have been touched by Gary over the years. We all have a special angel to watch over us, but he will be missed by all who knew him on earth.
Jed Harris
July 24, 2012
Gary Levi was an inspiration to all who met him. My condolences to the Levi Family.
Sincerely,
Daniel & Cindy McGrotha
July 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Levi Family.
Bill Sutley
July 24, 2012
I will always think of Gary as a "man of action (and truth)," as described in 1 John 3: 18: "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." It will always stick with me: His Godly impatience with some of us who talked about what we should do as Christians rather than just moving quickly to do it. He leaves a great legacy here and abroad, as well as lots of wonderful memories that I hope will comfort those who loved him most. Levis, you're in my prayers. Peace be with you.
Janet Jamieson
July 24, 2012
Gary will, no doubt, have the biggest angel wings upon his arrival. A beautiful man, a dedicated soul, an inspiration. Love, hugs and prayers for the family Levi.
Helen Quinn
July 24, 2012
Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. With my deepest sympathy to the Family Levi. Love and Prayers
Scott Sawyer
July 24, 2012
Gary was an inspiration to so many not only in Harris County but throughout the world. Our loss is heavens gain. May the many memories of his life continue to be a blessing to everyone he knew him. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this time.
Lori Phillips
July 24, 2012
My mother worked for Mr A.C. and B.J. for years. My oldest son went to HCHS and has had the priviledge of learning from Allen and Gary, at school in the way they blessed everyone who came thru the doors, and on a more personal level through Bible studies and mentoring.
I am thankful for the additional godly example (there can never be too many godly men in a young man's life) and encouragement Gary provided in my son, Austin's life.
Gary will be missed.
Austin said 'Mr. Gary is up there holding the doors open for all that come in behind him and greeting them by name!'
Many students have said that their days were better when they knew that Gary was there just to smile and greet them in the morning.
Our prayers are with your family.
July 24, 2012
Gary and I spoke at the Chinese restaurant in Wynnton with Allen. My prayers are with you all. Sim Thomas
Tom Griffin
July 24, 2012
I am so sorry to read of Gary's passing. My sincerest condolences to the entire Levi family.
July 24, 2012
Linda & Kevin -
Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. Just the other day you both crossed my mind and I stopped for a second and wondered how you both were doing and then I said a pray for you. Please let you whole family know that we will be praying for them. Let us know if we can do anything at all.
love,
Philip, Jamie, Hannah & Trey Cook
Jan Redden
July 23, 2012
Please accept our condolences at the passing of your son, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend. We have read his/your story on the blog - sometimes with tears and sometimes with joy at the outpouring expressions of love not only for family but for our Savior. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jim and Jan Redden
Nancy Watkins-Lampe
July 23, 2012
I feel honored to have known Gary Levi and comforted by the thought that he is up there somewhere waiting for the rest of us.
Monica Hadley Perdue
July 23, 2012
Sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Rachel Lloyd Thorne
July 23, 2012
Was so sorry to hear of Gary's illness and passing - my heart goes out to you all. I have very fond memories of Gary and Allen from my younger days. Such a special family! God be with you all during this time.
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