Gary Alan Findley

The world lost a good man, father, grandfather, brother and friend on July 25, 2025, as Gary Alan Findley's journey on this earth came to an end. Born on November 23, 1948 to Erma and Joe Findley, Gary grew up in Arlington, VA where he lived a life rich with purpose, passion, and love.

A gifted athlete, Gary graduated from Yorktown High School, lettering in baseball, basketball and football. Gary played shortstop and quarterback, earning all-region honors for both. Gary attended junior college at Ferrum College from 1968-1969, where he continued to excel on and off the baseball and football field. He was a starting player for Ferrum's 1968 National championship team, played in the Junior College World Series and is in Ferrum's Sports Hall of Fame. Gary finished his college career at Mars Hill in North Carolina, where he continued to play football and baseball and received his Bachelor of Arts in Education. His time at college not only shaped his love for sports, but also laid the foundation for a lifetime of service as a teacher and coach-roles he approached with enthusiasm, integrity, and heart.

After college Gary taught physical education and coached football and baseball in both Arlington and Fairfax County Schools. Shortly after college, Gary married the love of his life, Francine Thomas Findley. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Ryan and Scott, instilling in them the values of hard work, humor, and the passion for teaching and coaching.

Soon after marrying Francine, Gary went to work for Francine's family restaurant, Kilroy's, serving as the general manager for almost three decades. He not only managed the restaurant and bar, he also nurtured and mentored many young adults in their first jobs, teaching them valuable lessons often with simple quips like 'if you have time to lean, you have time to clean'. He organized community events such as the annual 8k run or the roller jamboree. For years Gary felt like the heart of Kilroy's as a father figure for employees and patrons alike.

But Gary's true love and passion was for his family. Attending and coaching every baseball, football and basketball game of his sons, often traveling across the county to AAU tournaments and spending countless evenings playing catch. His coaching proudly continued until he coached side-by-side with his son, Scott, as his career began. Gary was a devoted husband until Francine's passing, and he never stopped honoring her memory.

Gary is preceded in death by his beloved wife Francine, as well as his mother and father. He is survived by his sons, Ryan Findley (wife Rebecca) and Scott Findley (wife Emily); his cherished grandchildren Tucker, Ella, Forrest, Maddux, and Addison; his sister Alys; and many extended family members and friends who were touched by his warmth and wisdom.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a respected coach, and an avid crossword and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast. He had a quick wit, a coach's spirit, and a heart full of love for those around him.

To his children, Gary was more than a parent-he was a teacher of life's greatest lessons. He was the one who taught them to drive, to throw a baseball, and to be present for the people they love. He modeled what it meant to be a good husband, a loyal friend, a committed father, and a man of character.

Gary's humor, dedication to his family, and love of puzzles will be sorely missed. But most of all, he will be missed as a father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend.