Gary Dwayne Rader

Gary Dwayne Rader, age 61, of Oak Hill, WV, passed away January 15, 2024, at Morgantown, WV. Gary was born in Oak Hill, WV, on October 31, 1962, to Cecil Ray Rader and Juanita Elizabeth (Vernon) Rader.
Gary was a graduate of the OHHS class of 1981. He served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Chicago, San Diego, and Hawaii. Gary worked in construction most of his life until an accident caused him to become disabled.
Gary is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mary Ellen (Hicks) Rader, and Abner and Frankie Mae (Neighbors) Vernon; his parents, Cecil and Juanita Rader, brother Billy Rader, sisters Cecilia (Rader) Davis, and Connie (Rader) Phillips; nephews Larry Davis, Johnny Butler, Gregory Rader, and Zachary Martin.
Those left to cherish his memory include his brothers, Bobby (Janet) Rader, Marvin (Shelly) Rader, his sister, Joan (Randy) Hamilton, and his special sister-in-law, Iris Rader, his daughters, Amber Rader Lilly (Brandon Lilly), Destiny Rader (Shawn Hawkins), Legacy Rader, and his son, Gary Allen Rader. Two beautiful grandchildren, Hayes and Shay. Special neices Ginger Davis, Kimberly Rader, Dana Rader, and Gail Rader, who were like sisters to him. Special friend, Sherry Coffelt. Many other nieces and nephews and extended family and friends who loved him dearly.
Gary was an extremely talented person who had the gift of making people laugh and smile. He was a true entertainer. When he was a kid, he was given a magic kit as a gift, and he learned how to do so many cool magic tricks that he later won the high school talent show and would go around to elementary schools and perform for school kids. He also had a true passion for building anything. He could read about something and just do it. He was an avid rock climber, river guide, trail blazer, and genuine mountain man. Gary dragged many of us to Cotton Hill or other places to fish. He took many down the river, and he talked a few of us into rappelling in the Gorge. There was never a dull moment if Gary was around. He truly wanted to make people smile and have fun.
Gary loved his family. He was very proud of all his kids and wouldn't hesitate to tell people about them.
He loved Halloween, since that was his birthday, and would usually throw a big costume party. Gary's memory will live on and he will not be forgotten. Even in his death, he was able to donate his kidneys to save two lives.
A celebration of his life will be held at Mountain View Church of God at Hilltop, WV, on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Service will be at 2:00 pm with the Bishop Sam Calloway officiating. High Lawn Funeral Home will take care of Gary's cremation.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to High Lawn Funeral Home or we ask that you consider becoming an organ donor if you have not already done so.
The family wants to thank everyone who has already reached out and told us your memories and shown us love and prayers during this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlawnfuneralhome.com