July 31, 1942 - December 30, 2021
Gary was born at his grandparents home in Oakhill, West Virginia. He was the second child born to his mother. He loved spending his youth on the family homestead and got into constant shenanigans, including burning down the barn accidentally while playing cowboys with his cousins and uncles.
His teen years were spent in California where he developed his life long obsession with classic cars. “Cruising the strip” was how he spent his weekends. In the future he would tell his children what a crazy party animal he was but they would just roll their eyes.
When Gary met his wife Susan everything changed. He then morphed into one of his favorite things in the world, being a husband and father. He was a bit of a romantic frequently buying flowers and writing poems for Susan. He was an affectionate, loving , protective and patient father who always put his children first. He would go without so that his children could have a special treat. His joy would overflow when he became a grandfather in 2003.
Gary was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1972 and served as an elder for 15 years. During that time he had the privilege of baptizing many others at the circuit assembly, including his daughter in 1984.
There was no doubt that Gary loved life. He loved to laugh, enjoy nature, and spend time talking to people even if they were strangers. He was stubborn and strong and loved to negotiate. As long as he got something free out of the deal it was a win for him.
Although, he was troubled with health issues later in life, he always tried to find enjoyment in things. He knew that he would be young and vibrant again when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
A memorial will be held on zoom Wednesday January 15, 2022 at 3:00 pm PST.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Shieler family.
