Gary Michael Edwards

Gary was born on December 26, 1948 in Fort Payne, AL. He graduated as salutatorian of his Hokes Bluff High School class and went on to study psychology at Samford and then the University of Alabama. He worked for years at DESMO and directed the UAB Sparks Respite Care facility. He married Beth on March 8, 1980 and together they raised two sons, Kyle and Luke.

In 1983, Gary received his Ph.D. in Psychology from UA. Shortly after, he became the chief executive officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham (now United Ability), a role that he carried with honor for 38 years until the day of his passing. He devoted his entire professional life to serving adults and children with disabilities. “Dr. E” was entirely committed to United Ability’s mission of “connecting people with disabilities to their communities and empowering individuals to live full and meaningful lives.”

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Clifton, and his mother, Evelyn. He is survived by his wife, Beth, his sons, Kyle (Toria) and Luke (Kristen), and his brother Maurice (Pat). He was beloved “Papa” to his seven grandchildren - Duncan, Charlie, Will, Caleb, Winston, Micah, and Lily.

He was a coach, a teacher, an advocate, an encourager, and a hero to so many. He loved his family, his work, and his church. He left the world a better place.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Southern Heritage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in memory of Gary to United Ability (unitedability.org/give).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be limited seating in the Chapel.

A live streaming of the service will be held on the Southern Heritage Funeral Home Facebook Page on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 11:00 AM.