Gary I. Esslinger

Gary Isbell Esslinger, of Tullahoma, passed away Monday, February 16th, 2026 at the age of 88 at his home, with his loved ones. He was born September 19th, 1937, in Gadsden, Alabama to Howard Gardner Esslinger, Sr. and Catherine Olena Esslinger, who both preceded him in death. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in Gadsden and attended Jacksonville State University. Gary worked at ARO-Arnold Air Force Base for 36 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church Tullahoma for 54 years where he served as a deacon for 25 years. He taught Sunday School for high school boys, and coached church league basketball for many years. Gary also played church league baseball, where he earned the nickname "Turkey legs." He enjoyed fishing and gardening as well as watching Alabama football and Atlanta Braves baseball. Gary and Pat enjoyed many cruises and trips to Dollywood. Most of all he enjoyed just being at home with family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard Esslinger, Jr. (Geneva), and Larry Paul Esslinger; and one granddaughter, Ashley Dianna Gill. Gary is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Patricia Ann Buchanan Esslinger; two daughters, Kathy Esslinger Gill (Jeffrey), and Janet Esslinger Roper (Eric); grandchildren, Erin Paige Gill, Logan Buchanan Gill (Rachel), Robert Blaine Roper, Gary Taylor Roper, and Ashton Bailey (Dalton); great-grandchildren, Justin Taylor Roper, Josie Rae Masingille, Henry Hayes Masingille, Rowan Lander Gill, and Laurel Moraine Gill; and honorary granddaughter, Shiann Williams. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 12:00-2:30pm with the funeral to immediately follow at 2:30pm with Andy Stallings and Herb Hester officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Logan Gill, Taylor Roper, Dalton Masingille, Robert Esslinger, Jim House, and Steve Helton will be acting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Wolfe, Edwin Frix, Jerry Spurlin, Charles Maddle and members of the First Baptist Church Deacon Body. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Wardrobe Readiness (105 Quail Hollow Ct. Tullahoma, TN 37388) which is a mission endeavor started to help churches who need support in progressively witnessing or to the First Baptist Church Tullahoma Youth Group, 108 East Grundy Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388. The family would like to thank Dr. Steve Bills and all of his staff for their attention to Gary and the problems he was facing. Also, thank you to Suncrest Home Health. You were so good to him. And to the Hospice Compassus team, especially Susan Kilgore for her help at the end of Gary's earthly journey.