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Gary Whitaker Obituary
He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Whitaker; his mother, Marjorie (Simmons); and his brother, Neil. Also preceding Gary were Eifel, Whitney, Scarlett, Diesel, and Gustav, his very favorite kitty.
Gary is survived by his wife, his love and best friend of 33 years, Lisa Marble. Numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and many friends near and far will miss him as well, including Chester, Cairo, and Ellie May.
Gary grew up in Cleveland County, N.C. and graduated Shelby High School in 1972 and Western Carolina University in 1976 with a B.S. in Medical Technology.
Gary enjoyed a medical career spanning over 40 years, 38 of which he sold capital equipment to hospitals, winning awards and achieving milestones during his time, building relationships throughout the South Eastern medical community. He loved going into hospitals and meeting all levels of medical professionals and delighting people with his stories, humor, and most importantly, his passion for listening. But by far, his greatest passion was giving himself to the church community. Mount Vernon Baptist Church enjoyed a wealth of Gary's talents, including his leadership roles with Celebrate Recovery, Caritas, Mens' Ministries, Youth Ministry, Drama Ministry, Adult Bible Fellowship Classes, Special Event and Concert Security, and Man Church. He put his heart and soul into making life both happier and more secure for each person he touched, whether at church, at work, with his family, in the neighborhood or afar. And because he was passionate about always having fun, you could be assured you might catch his wrath again, again, and again, but always with humor, jokes, and not-so-gentle ribbing, storytelling, and love.
In Gary's words, "Remember, every day is a gift from God."
Memorial Service to be scheduled at a later date.
Donations can be made in Gary's name to Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Caritas, Henrico Humane Society, or West End Cat Rescue.
Links:
https://mountvernon.church/give/
https://www.caritasva.org/
https://www.henricohumane.org/donate
https://www.westendcatrescue.org/.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Whitaker
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Homes Central Chapel - Richmond.
Kay Hambright Butner
April 17, 2024
Gary was a great man He will be missed Prayers for his family
David LeGrand Sr
July 26, 2023
Gary was a life long friend ! We graduated from Shelby High School together and also from Western Carolina University! We are all better from knowing such a great guy! David LeGrand Sr.
Niki Paksoy
July 16, 2023
I´m just stunned. Saddened and glad I at least got to see Gary and meet you, Lisa, at the reunion. Our deepest condolences.
Leslie C.
July 16, 2023
There are no words to express my sympathy and how much Gary has meant to me as a career mentor over the years. There is nobody I know who touches the lives of those he/she meets more than Gary. I am honored to have worked with Gary and to be considered a friend of his for so many years. I owe the success of my career to Gary's coaching and belief in my ability in the hospital marketplace. May God continue to bless those he loved.
How you can show support
Janie Moyers
July 10, 2023
Thinking of you Lisa. Gary was a gift to us all. We will miss him terribly. xo
Marc and Janie Moyers
Alex and Ellen Vance
July 9, 2023
Lisa-Alex and I are so sorry to learn of Gary´s passing. We know you will miss him dearly and we send our deepest condolences to you. Although we´re now living in Charleston, he will always be part of our good memories of Richmond. If you are ever in our geography, please come visit. God´s peace to you.
-Ellen and Alex
Cindy and Hugh Conoly
July 9, 2023
It was an honor to have know Gary through Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Always such a kind and caring person.
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