Surrounded by his family, Gary Phillip McElhenney, of Eatonton, passed away at the age of 77 in Athens, Georgia, on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Gary was born on September 25, 1946, to the late Hughlon “Mac” and Lillian Stewart McElhenney in Toccoa, Georgia. He graduated from Putnam County High School in 1964.
He later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1969 and was a Life Member of the UGA Alumni Association. Gary served in the National Guard, where he completed his service as a Staff Sergeant.
Gary was a faithful servant, both to his community and his church. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Eatonton, where he was a deacon and served on numerous committees. He was also heavily involved in the children’s ministry and the choir. In 2019, he was honored at the Founder’s Day Service at First Baptist.
Gary worked as an EMT for Putnam County beginning in 1975 and was later appointed as the Battalion Chief of Fire-Rescue for Putnam County. He was elected as Putnam County Coroner in 1984 and served until November 1, 2019.
During his career, he served as the treasurer of the Georgia Coroner’s Association for 22 years and as President from 1991 to 1992 and was twice selected as Coroner of the Year. Additionally, Gary was appointed by former Governor Roy Barnes to serve on the Georgia Coroner’s Training Committee.
He served as the American Red Cross chapter chair for the Middle Georgia Area. In 2019, Gary was selected as the Eatonton—Putnam Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. After his retirement, Gary was elected Putnam County Commissioner for District 1, where he served proudly for the past four years.
Gary was a member of the Lions Club of Eatonton and served as its President. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 6686 member.
Gary is survived by his children Pam McElhenney Lacey (John) of White Plains, GA; Tom McElhenney (Amy) of Eatonton, GA; Cristi Sheppard (Mike) of Tallulah Falls, GA; Leslie Peebles (David) of Eatonton, GA; Carri Thomas (Jacob) of Greensboro, GA; grandchildren TJ McElhenney, John Luke Lacey, Lily Kate McElhenney, Braxton Thomas, Hunter Sheppard, Wyatt Thomas, Lawson Peebles, Elli Blake Thomas, Billy Peebles, Maggie Sheppard, Tucker Peebles, and Tanner Peebles; sisters, Carole Tyler of Monticello, GA, and Lou Ann Vining (Michael) of Roberta, GA and numerous aunts and cousins.
The family of Gary McElhenney would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the excellent staff they have encountered at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan, St. Mary’s Athens Critical Care Team, and Landmark Hospital and especially to Ally, Kathleen, Jill, Stacy, Heath, Jan, and KD for their comfort, support, and guidance.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Eatonton, with interment at Eatonton Memorial Park. The family received friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Eatonton.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gatewood Schools Athletic Program, First Baptist Church of Eatonton, or the Eatonton Lions Club.
Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel are in charge of funeral arrangements. To sign the Online Register Book, please visit www.stanleyfuneralhome.com.