Mr. Mr. Gary Wayne Widner

Mr. Gary Wayne Widner

November 23, 1948 - August 4, 2025

Gary Wayne Widner, age 76, was born November 23, 1948, and passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, after a long battle with cancer with his family by his side. Gary was a man of strong faith. He was saved at home at the age of 66 and was a member of Springdale Baptist Church. In his later days, he was often overjoyed by the thought of going home to be with the Lord, and the family is at peace knowing he has received his wish. One of his favorite places to be in a field on a tractor. He loved farming, working on the land, and living a simple, purposeful life. Gary shared 49 years with his devoted wife Marlene and loved his family deeply. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and had a special place in his heart for his grandpup, Saint Dior.

Gary had an ornery streak a mile wide, but he also had a quiet way of showing love. He liked to pick and poke just to make you smile, but he was always there when you needed him. Whether it was in the hay field, tobacco patch or working on a house, he was quick to lend a hand. Gary spent a lot of his life helping with the grandkids and great grandkids, but Linley, Collins, and Saint Dior kept him young. He loved his family as much as they loved him, and what more could you ask for in a Papaw. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Gary is survived by his wife Marlene McNew Widner. Children: Traci (Spanky) Rich of Jamestown, TN; Terry Widner of Gainesboro, TN; Travis Widner of Jamestown, TN; Melissa (Joe) Johnson of New Tazewell, TN; Tracey Nole of Tazewell, TN; Amy (Keith) Sandefur of Tazewell, TN. Grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan)Norman, Hunter Rich, Chase Rich, Christin (Jamie) Widner, Kayla Widner, Dylan Widner, Leah (Mark) Webb, Skyla Johnson, Justin Nole, Sarah (Corey) Sandifer, Daniel (Estefany) Nole, Emma Nole, Emily (Lucas) Clotfelter, Carly Sandefur, Olivia Sandefur and Matthew Sandefur. Great Grandchildren: Adaylnn Norman, Lila May Widner, Remington Widner, Isaiah Nole, Eli Nole, Jason Nole, Linley Sandifer and Collins Sandifer, special sister-in-law Shela McNew and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Amos Widner, Mother Mazie Widner, brothers Vaughn Widner and JT Widner, sisters Betty Reynolds and Margaret Neely.

The family extends sincere thanks to all who cared for Gary, especially Dr. Lee and Dr. Boppana, for their compassion and support.

Pallbearers: Hunter Rich, Chase Rich, Justin Nole, Daniel Nole, Matthew Sandefur, and Randell Meyers Jr.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 8, 2025, from 2PM till 4PM with funeral services to follow at 4PM in the Claiborne Overholt Funeral Home Chapel. Grave side services will follow in the Irish Memorial Gardens.

The Rev. Brandon Christian and the Rev. Tommy Russell will be officiating the service.

Music will be provided by Barbara Hatfield and the Springdale Baptist Church Youth Choir.

Claiborne ~ Overholt Funeral Home, LLC