Mr. Gary Alton Sheffield

McDonough ~ Mr. Gary Alton Sheffield, age 77, passed away, Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Piedmont Hospital, in Henry County. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church Cochran with Dr. Reed Crumblis officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.
Gary was born on January 25, 1946, in Eastman, to the late, Mr. James H. Sheffield and Mrs. Mary Sheffield Daniel, and was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Carol Holland. Gary grew up in Cochran and attended Cochran schools. He was a member of the Class of 1964 and continued his education at Auburn University graduating with his doctorate of pharmacy in 1972. Gary served in both the Army National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
He was a dedicated pharmacist, and was the owner-operator of Avera Drug Company in Fort Valley. Outside of his professional endeavors, Gary cherished his family and enjoyed numerous hobbies. He had a passion for fishing and rooting for Auburn University football. Gardening was another passion of his, Gary was an avid reader and he loved tinkering in his shop.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dale Sheffield; daughter Stacy Young of McDonough; sons, Jay Sheffield and his wife Jan of Byron and Gary Anthony Sheffield of Fort Valley; grandchildren, Alayna Brooke Skipper (Skip), Bailey Alton Sheffield, Braydon James Sheffield, David Alton Young, and Grayson Maddox Young; great-grandson, Cullen Skipper; sister, Phyllis Sheffield Brown, and her husband Mike; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary Alton Sheffield will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His kind heart, warm smile, and unwavering love will forever remain in our memories. May he rest in eternal peace.