Gary Aaron Lantrip

Born in Tillatoba, MS. on February 13, 1945, to Enos and Sally Mae McCammon Lantrip. Gary Aaron Lantrip was a great man of character, class, and most of all the utmost integrity. Gary will be remembered most for the love he had for his family, most importantly, his bride, Betty Ann Lantrip, his two children, Amy Renee and James Whittington and his grandchildren, Jayden Givs and Jaci Easterling.

Gary held many various family titles, from husband, Daddy, Pawpaw, brother, uncle, and so many more. He was a friend and mentor to all. He was proud of all the titles that he held, and he held each relationship near to his heart. He was a man of little words, but much wisdom, much love, and much character. Gary was a gentle soul, who always strived to be the best man he could be, honest and true, through and through. His advice was limitless, he was never too busy to lend an ear and knowledge to those he considered his kids. As there are many that considered him a father figure and their second chosen “Dad” or “PawPaw”.

Gary served his country proudly from 1966-1972 in the United States Army. Honorably discharged at the rank of E-4 SPC with commendations and medals as a sharpshooter, a National Defense Service Medal, and Army Occupational Medal. He always enjoyed telling the stories of Checkpoint Charlie during his military service.

A true family man and man who loved his country, and never put anything above it. With that stated, his love for sports was incomparable. Gary was a sport fanatic. He loved Ole Miss. And he loved his Houston Astros. Gary was a sports reference, for all sports, for most that knew him, as he knew sports and sports history like no other. His love for sports started as boy and carried through for the entirety of his life. It comes naturally, he would say. Never missing a game, you always knew just what Gary was doing and where he was at when there were sports on TV.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Enos and Sally Mae Lantrip, brother, Tommy Lantrip. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty Ann Lantrip, daughter, Amy Renee Chapman and husband Patrick Chapman, son, James Whittington, grandchildren, Jayden Givs, fiancée Jannah Imeri, Jaci Easterling and, his most proud portion of his legacy, his great grandchildren, Jayden Patrick Givs and Annalise Luna Givs. He is also survived by his sister Shirley McCluer and brother Charles Lantrip. The family welcomes all your prayers and well wishes. Please feel free to share your memories and stories to remind us the joy he brought and just how special of a man he was to us all.

At Gary’s request to “Throw me a party”, a reception will be held at Gary and Betty’s home. Please feel free to bring your drink of choice. *Spirits will be included*