Gary Lee Willoby

1948-2024

Gary Lee Willoby 75, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, April 22,2024. He was born to Don Rae and Stella Willoby December 15, 1948 in Wichita, Kansas.

Gary graduated from Guthrie high school and was very active in basketball and football. He was their main fullback. After high school Gary joined the army where he served our country as a sergeant from 1968 to 1971. Upon discharge from the service, he went to Central State University, and there he met the love of his life Brenda Starks, and she later became his wife. Brenda passed away in 2017.

Gary worked in the oil and gas business with various companies, retiring from Patterson company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Over the years, Gary spent a lot of time and made cherished memories with Carl and Diane Biggs and family. When he and Carl took a break from whatever project they were working on, the time was spent watching OU football, going to baseball games or catching up with his “second family” during cookouts.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Virginia Brooks and Diana Andrews.

He is survived by his brother, John Willoby and wife, Karen; his beloved nieces and nephews, Trena Sturges and husband, Ray, Don Willoby and wife, Kristi, Michelle Cardell and husband, Patrick, all of Eufaula, Oklahoma. Gary is also survived by cousins, Larry Eubanks and wife, Chryel, Donna White, Carolyn Farrow-Griffith, Dude Decker, JoAnn Decker, Karen Niles and husband, John; and many friends.

Gary has requested a closed casket with a graveside service to be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.

Published in the Guthrie News Leader - May 1, 2024