He was surrounded by his wife and four girls during his last moments.
Gary was born in Kinston, North Carolina, on February 26, 1955. He spent a few of his adolescent years learning to play rugby and traveling in Europe, when his family relocated to Germany for his father’s job with DuPont. He graduated from Kinston High School in 1973 and continued on to co op through college. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1973–74, North Carolina State University in 1974–78, and Campbell University in 1978–79, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology. He later continued a successful career in construction consulting, building his namesake company, Gardenhire Associates, over the span of 30 years.
Gary married Patricia “Patty” Lynn Hall, the love of his life, on October 9, 1982. They enjoyed a full and happy marriage for more than 41 years, building a family of four daughters, three sons-in-law, and four granddaughters. He lived a life of service to others, acting as a “big brother” to at-risk youth through the Raleigh Boys & Girls club, joining Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity at NCSU, and serving on Theatre in the Park’s Board of Directors. While raising his children and serving as a deacon at Providence Church, Gary spent his spare time founding and leading the children’s program for Bible Study Fellowship and later Teen Community Bible Study, which he continued for more than 20 years.
Known as “Gardenhire” to some of his closest friends, his APO brotherhood was a rich and rewarding facet of his life, where he enjoyed nearly 50 years of annual trips with his college friends and their spouses. He found purpose and enjoyment in joining his daughters in Theatre in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol,” performing every year from 2002 through 2023. His hobbies included riding motorcycles with his best friend, Ted, showering Patty with letters and gifts, and coaching his daughters through tire changes, dance competitions, and job interviews. He was a mentor and father figure to many, who knew him as “Mr. G.” He was happiest when on the water, whether driving a boat, fishing off a dock, or throwing his net in the surf.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Patty (whom he called “Bo”); daughters Whitney Campbell (married to Luke), Christine Reed (married to Blake), Kaitlyn Byl (married to Stephen), and Emily Gardenhire; granddaughters Maeve Campbell, Lucy Campbell, Hadley Reed, and Everette Reed; and many extended family and close friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Henry Tate Gardenhire, and his mother, Flora Nell Gardenhire. We rejoice in knowing he is also experiencing a first meeting of his unborn grandson.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 am, both at Providence Church, 6339 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
If you would like to leave a favorite memory Gary, or a message to his family, you may do so below within ‘Add a Memory’.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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