Fred James Gary

Fred James Gary, 81, of Moss Bluff was born in Jennings, LA June 8, 1944, to Loris Fruge Gary and Andrew Gary. He left this earth peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Lake Charles, LA.

Fred was a competitor from youth, beginning with district champion marble shooter at the age of 10. He went on to excel in track and football at Jennings High. In football he earned All-district honors 2 years, All-Southwest 2 years, All-State and Most Valuable Lineman. He went on to play college football for the Southeastern Lions where he lettered 4 years earning All-Conference honors and named the Coaches All-League Team. He graduated from Southeastern and later when he decided to return to graduate school he was awarded a graduate assistantship for the football team. During that time, he married Peggy Strickler and went on to have 3 children. After moving several times due to job changes they settled down in Moss Bluff in 1979. He quickly became a SHHS Bronco Supporter. Always ready to help. He and his volunteer cooking buddies decided they should have a name and the "Moss Bluff Mafia" was formed.

Fred was a member of several clubs/boards including drainage, park board, the first advisory board when Jeff Davis Bank opened in Moss Bluff, Sowela Technical College and LUBA advisory boards, Knights of Columbus, Moss Bluff Civic Club, Petrochem Club, Krewe du Grande Bois where he and Peggy served on several courts as well as King and Queen and captains. He has been a member of St. Theodore Catholic church for over 45 years. During these years he and Peggy opened Gary Filtration, Inc. and worked together for 30 years until retirement. They traveled to other states and countries, sometimes as a couple, sometimes with a tour group, sometimes with friends or families making memories. They loved following SHHS and their kids' sports, as well as following LSU, McNeese, and Southeastern sports. Fred coached his kids' teams and when he and friend, Ann Vick, decided there was a need for youth soccer in Moss Bluff, that league was formed. When he saw a need for boys that didn't want to play baseball, he formed a boys softball league. Fred was voted Most Friendliest by his 1962 class and if you knew him, you knew that he never met a stranger. He continued through life with a close bond of his JHS pals and Southeastern football players.

What he really loved the most was his family. Left to cherish the memories is his wife of 54 years, Peggy Gary; children, Shila Cowart (Mark), Jamie Gary (Alison), and Chad Gary (Kristy); and 11 grandchildren that fondly call him "Pop": Ashton (Sydnee), Baylie (fiancé Jackson), Andrew, Bryce, Damian, Genevieve, Hannah, Gabrielle, Sydney, Callen, Beau and one great-granddaughter Mia. He also leaves behind a sister, Jeanette Briggs (Mike); brother, Michael Gary (Debbie); brother-in-law, Hank Strickler and sister-in-law, Stephanie Strickler; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Loris and Andrew Gary; siblings, Robert Gary, Della Person, Charles Gary, and JoAnna Parsley; as well as many in-laws and other relatives.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings, LA, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and will begin at 10:30 AM, with rosary at 12:00 PM. Visitation will conclude at 12:45 PM which will be the time to depart for mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church at 1:00 PM, with Fr. Aubrey Guilbeau and Fr. Whitney Miller officiating. He will be laid to rest immediately following the mass in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Fr. Aubrey Guilbeau for always being there for Fred's family, the staff of Sage Oak and St. Joseph's Hospice for their excellent care and compassion, Cathy Mayfield for her many years of support given to Peggy especially during this time, Sharon Doise Vincent and Artie Miller for their love for Freddie during many years and especially during his last journey.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for you to consider donating to St. Theodore Catholic Church in Moss Bluff, LA.