The cherished son of Thelma Louise Ranck, Gary was raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 49 and attended Market Street Baptist Church.
As a young boy, around age 8-9, Gary worked folding boxes at Grundon’s Bakery where he first met his future wife, Virginia Grundon. He continued working at the bakery through school where he learned how to make cakes and rolls. Gary attended John Harris High School, and played the tuba in the band. He graduated in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Gary’s military career took him to Camp Lejeune, NC; Albany, GA; Iwakuni, Japan; and Hiroshima, Japan. Returning home to Harrisburg, Gary attended the Wilton Cake Decorating Academy and became an accomplished cake artist. He said he loved working at the bakery because he could get his work done early and still have time to go fishing.
Gary married Virginia Grundon on October 3, 1964. They had two daughters, Joell and Michelle. Gary was a jack of all trades. He could build or renovate anything. His motto was “Work Smarter, Not Harder”. You couldn’t work with him on a project without hearing it at least 3 times. Gary loved cars, lots and lots of cars. He may have forgotten a few things throughout his 81 years, but he knew without any hesitation that he owned exactly 38 vehicles, and he could tell you the year, make, and model of each one. Gary never met a stranger. Walking through Home Depot with him would take an extra 30 minutes so he could say, “Hi there!”, or “Hey guy!” to anyone who made eye contact with him. Gary loved the sun and he loved being warm, so he headed to Texas in 1993 where he enjoyed being closer to his children and grandchildren. He spent many sunny afternoons at the lake and was proud of his tan.
In the last eight years, Gary struggled with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his challenges, he continued to live independently until four years ago. Even after losing his ability to walk, he still enjoyed completing his jigsaw puzzles and models. The walls of his room were covered with his accomplishments. He also enjoyed BINGO with his friends at Lily Springs. To his friends at Lily Springs - Please don’t forget to water the plants!
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma, and his best feline companion, Sammy. He was so very proud of his daughters Joell (Cory) Hohman, and Michelle Martin. He would often say to the two of them, “I don’t know how you do it, dear.” Their accomplishments never ceased to amaze him. His greatest joy was being the one and only “Bunka” to his granddaughters. He enjoyed watching the antics of Alyssa Owen, Haley (Garrett)Pippin, and Sara Engelke as they grew into beautiful young ladies. Their shenanigans always made him smile. He would sit at the dinner table and just watch everyone talking about their day, and all of their adventures. His plate would be clean before anyone else had stopped talking long enough to take more than a few bites, which then meant he would be going to the kitchen for a second helping. “Bunka” was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
The family is forever grateful to the staff, therapists, nurses, and care teams at Cedar Hill and Lily Springs in Lampasas for their care, along with Heart of Texas Hospice; Dr. Elizabeth Peckham and her staff at Central Texas Neurology Consultants for the many years of care and patience; and to the angels at Lily Springs who surrounded Gary with love and kisses (you know who you are). We are truly blessed for your invaluable support and love. God placed each one of you in Gary’s life, and in our lives and we give Him and you, thanks.
A memorial service for Gary will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 1200 S Bagdad Road, Leander, Texas 78641, officiated by David McGhghy with Heart of Texas Hospice. A Celebration of Gary’s life will follow at Whitestone Brewery, 601 E. Whitestone Blvd. #500 Cedar Park, Texas 78613.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishleander.com for the Ranck family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5