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Gary Wamsley Obituary
August 18, 1935 - October 29, 2024
Dr. Gary Lee Wamsley, age 89, of Blacksburg, VA, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. Gary was born on August 18, 1935, in Falls City, Nebraska, to William and Jacqueline Wamsley. He spent his early years living on the family farm in Falls City and in Los Angeles, California, where his father found work during World War II.
Gary received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, after which he served for four years in the U.S. Air Force and achieved the rank of Captain. He subsequently received his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh.
After holding positions at San Diego State University, Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas, he founded the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Tech in 1977. In addition to his work at VT, where he taught and mentored countless graduate students, he served as the editor of the journal Administration and Society for 40 years and worked as a consultant to the Carter and Clinton administrations.
Gary never forgot his farm roots, and his students often joked that he was happiest on his John Deere tractor, mowing his five acres. He was an avid gardener, loved traveling and all flavors of ice cream. He was naturally curious about everything and imparted this sense of curiosity to his children and grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan, his six children: Christina Fortunati, Carrie Rachlin, Maria Wamsley, David Wamsley, Alissa Wamsley and Jonathan Wamsley, his 10 grandchildren: Katie, Drew, Dillon, Annie, Peter, Thomas, Quinn, Aiden, Olivia and Catherine and his siblings: Michael Wamsley and Sheryl Wamsley-Goldsmith.
Gary was a wonderful husband, brother, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Blacksburg on Saturday, December 7th at 12:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a gathering in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary's name to habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wamsley
Sponsored by McCoy Funeral Home - Blacksburg.
12 Entries
Supachai yavaprabhas
December 7, 2024
Thank you Professor Wamsley for your thoughtful guidance during my time at CPAP. In my memory, you are caring and always helpful. I can feel it till now and ever. rest in peace, sir. Supachai Yavaprabhas
Kaaren Hedblom Jacobson
December 7, 2024
It is with sadness learning that Gary had passed. I am a PhD graduate of CPAP. I entered the program at the second year of Gary's launching the new PhD program at Virginia Tech. The years that I spent there shaped my academic life, thereafter, in many ways, thanks to Gary. Initially, I considered another academic program to further my study and practice of public administration, but upon just one meeting with Gary all other possibilities faded away. Gary did not want the CPAP program to be just another cut of the old hammer and nail concept of government administration. He wanted his students on the cutting edge of this most important field in public service. He was so open to exploring new concepts in theory and in practice. And it was an enlightening and empowering experience to study at CPAP. In my own case I am very thankful for the day that I came to him to tell him I was abandoning my dissertation topic and choosing another because I was having difficulty trying to apply a deeply felt interest to organization theory. Gary was emphatic that I carry on. Noting my interest in my quest, he said "you will figure it out!" Apparently, that was all I needed to hear. And I have been grateful ever since. Thank you so much Gary. Rest in peace.
Dong Won Kim
December 6, 2024
My name is Dong-won Kim, and I was CPAP´s first Korean student. I am who I am today thanks to your kind teachings. Thank you for giving me courage and hope when I was struggling through your humor and leadership. I remember you bragging to me after purchasing a Korean Hyundai wagon, and as a Korean, I was grateful. I returned to Korea and became a professor, teaching your masterpiece, the Refounding series, to my students. Also, when I became a member of the civil service examination question committee to promote the , I constantly asked related questions and it was a huge hit. Nowadays, there is no one preparing for the civil service exam who does not know that. When I went to the United States on sabbatical 10 years ago, you were in good health and we promised to meet again, but I am deeply sorry for breaking my promise. I am working hard to spread your Bburg school to Korea and will continue to do so in the future. I hope you watch over me peacefully from heaven.
Meredith Hundley
November 29, 2024
So many memories of time spent with Dr. Wamsley "gwams" as part of the CPAP community, while working on Administration & Society, and later as part of the UUC community. My condolences to Susan and the family.
Vince Truett
November 26, 2024
Gary was, without question, my most impactful professor during my Virginia Tech grad school days. I can honestly say that I would not be the man that I am today without having Gary as a professor and friend. Attached is one of my May 1990 CPAP graduation photos. Gary is seated behind me. There are two things that I know from looking at his face. First, I know that he is proud of me. Secondly, I know that he has my back. Gary, thanks for being there for me during one of the most critical periods in my life--and being one of my strongest advocates. To the Wamsley Family, you have my deepest condolences. However, I know that Heaven has received its newest angel.
Goktug Morcol
November 25, 2024
Gary was the founding director of the Center for Public Administration and Policy, where I earned my PhD degree. I remember him not only as a great scholar, but also a great man. He was so modest that I never heard about his accomplishments from him, but from others. I wish I could say goodbye one last time to him in person. So long Gary! You will be remembered and missed.
Dr. Tom Barth
November 25, 2024
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing and sincere condolences to Susan and all of his family. I was one of the PhD students from the federal government in DC who traveled to Blacksburg to experience the wonderful academic culture created in large part by Gary's vision. He was not just a gifted scholar, but had a deep passion for his students and left a lasting impression on so many of us. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Richard Green
November 19, 2024
Gary's passing deeply saddens me. He was such a dear friend, colleague, and mentor. He mentored so many of us, and he made it personal for all of us. He was a gifted creator and leader of CPAP, as well as a brilliant editor of A&S. Gary's passion for public service and for public institutions inspired all of us, and I certainly tried my best to follow his and John Rohr's lead in that respect - as did many other alums. He left a tremendous legacy, and I hope it will endure well beyond the current dark era in American public life. I salute you Gary!!
Patrick Roberts
November 6, 2024
Gary was an exemplary colleague and mentor from the first day I arrived in Blacksburg. I remember conversations about the nature of social science, the agential approach to leadership and public administration, and our shared mentor across generations, Charles Perrow. Gary enjoyed late afternoon sandwiches at Lefty's, a good joke, and the occasional poker night. He was a model of what it meant to live the life of a mind in a fully human way.
Dr. Larry Keller
November 1, 2024
Condolences to Susan and all the family. Gary was both colleague and friend. His passing is not only a personal loss but a collegial loss to our field. His passion for professional governance through an enlightened and ethical public administration sparked many to empower the conduct of good government, to fight for an active government to improve the life of citizens and protect our democracy. As with all who make indelible imprints on both people and a profession, he is irreplaceable as a person but a continuing guide to study and action. God speed his soul and
console family and friends.
Kwangseon Hwang
November 1, 2024
I am saddened by the passing of an influential PA scholar who meant a great deal to me. I wish him peace and comfort, and offer my condolences to his family and the CPAP community.
- Kwangseon from South Korea
Karen
November 1, 2024
Dear Sheryl and Ed
and to Gary's Family,
Bob and I are wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days.
With love,
Karen
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Events
for Gary Wamsley
Dec
7
Celebration of Life
12:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Blacksburg, VA
Funeral services provided by:
McCoy Funeral Home - Blacksburg150 Country Club Dr. S.W., Blacksburg, VA 24060-5427
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