Mr. Calvin Bernard Gary

On May 3, 2021 our beloved, Mr. Calvin Bernard Gary, was called by our Lord and Savior to rest.

Mr. Gary was born on October 12, 1954 in Newberry, SC as the third of four children born to Ethel Boozer Gary and the late Emory Gary.

At an early age, Mr. Gary joined and served at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Newberry, SC.  During his life, he was also associated with Progressive Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.

After graduating from Newberry High in 1972, he attended Benedict College in Columbia, SC, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education in 1976. Upon graduation from Benedict, Mr. Gary received a prestigious scholarship and furthered his education at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he received his Master of Arts degree, in English Education, in 1978.  Mr. Gary received further graduate training at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.

Mr. Gary’s professional career spanned over 30 years and included teaching positions at Denmark Technical College (Denmark, SC) Greenwood High School, Greenwood County Adult Education, and Piedmont Technical College (Greenwood, SC), and Newberry Adult Education Center (Newberry, SC).  Mr. Gary was an excellent and ardent educational professional, often reveling in the successes of many of his students, believing that education can truly change one’s life.  After an illustrious career of over 30 years, he officially retired in 2013. However, not content to be idle, Mr. Gary volunteered with the Adult Education GED program and later became employed.  To the end of his life, he was overjoyed and deemed himself to be blessed with the opportunity to work once again with adults and their families whose lives were changed forever by educational opportunities afforded them.

Mr. Gary was a man of many talents, including his beautiful tenor voice, with which he regaled audiences from an early age.  Mr. Gary cherished vocal training at Benedict College under the tutelage of Mr. Rhoden.  Mr. Gary blessed audiences with his classical and religious renditions at schools, churches, and community events.  In addition, Mr. Gary served as an Honor Society Faculty Advisor/Induction Committee member, Homecoming Faculty Advisor, Greenwood high School Beauty Pageant Committee, Director of school and community play, and provided academic support presentation to churches and community groups.  Mr. Gary loved cooking and seeing his family and friends enjoy the food and fellowshipping with one another.  In times of grief or celebration, Mr. Gary was quick to arrive with nourishment for families and friends, including the notoriously delicious ham and cake.

Mr. Gary leavesthree siblings to cherish his memory:  Mr. Curtis (Jackie) Gary of Aiken, SC, Ms. Geraldine Gary, and Ms. Gwen Gary Bishop both of Newberry, SC., devoted cousin Thelma (Leslie) Lyles of Newberry, SC.  In addition he is survived by loving and devoted niece Kendal P. Bishop of Newberry, SC; other nieces and nephews; devoted great nephew Zackery Bishop; other great nieces and nephews, whom he adored.  He lavished them all with love, advice, and time.  Mr. Gary never met a stranger.  He also passionately loved his extended family and numerous friends, who also mourn his loss. 

A  service of remembrance will be held Noon on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Newberry Memorial Garden, 15127 C.R. Koon Hwy, Newberry, SC 29108.

Please wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Benedict College with notation in honor of Mr.
Calvin B. Gary, Class of 1976.  Donations should be mailed to Benedict College, Alumni Office,
and 1600 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204.

There will not be a repast after the memorial service due to COVID-19 Restrictions.

Wilson Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family. (803) 276-3189

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