Gary James Geig
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Gary James Geig, 75, husband of Jan Rucker Geig, died Monday, August 9, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey.
Born March 5, 1946, in Massillon, Ohio, he was a son of the late Gabriel James Geig and the late Pearl Kleckner Geig. He attended Alice Drive Baptist Church and retired from Goodyear Tire Company in Akron, OH after 31 years of service.
It may well be impossible to adequately summarise who Gary was because the way he lived his life testifies more profoundly to who he was. In short, Gary was a good man. He was everything a good man aspires to be. A farmer and provider for much of his life, Gary loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening, and sharing the latest conspiracy theory. Though "strong silent type" is synonymous with Gary Geig, he never shied from telling it how it was with his characteristic disarming charm. The man loved dogs, especially the rowdy sort and he enjoyed spoiling them. He appreciated a good joke and usually had one handy. His infectious laugh and his loving and positive attitude brought joy to the lives of everyone he encountered. Throughout the years many knew Gary as "Coach." He coached his children and grandchildren's athletic teams over a period of several decades, serving as teacher and example to hundreds of children. Most of all, he was a dedicated family man. He loved his family and gave freely to them. Gary was a loving and faithful husband to his beloved wife and best friend Jan Geig for 52 years. His grandchildren knew him as "Papa" and perhaps that is how he is best remembered. Gary absolutely adored his children and grandchildren and he doted on them as a devoted father and grandfather. Gary's memory lives on in those who loved him and he will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his wife; three children, Greg Geig of Southport, NC, Gretchen G. Meyers (Eddie) of Sumter and Gabe Geig (Mandy) of Columbus, OH; eight grandchildren, Jake Meyers, Madeline Meyers, Owen Meyers, Wyatt Meyers, Pierce Geig, Celeste Geig, Simon Geig, and George Geig; two sisters, Pearl Meade of Norton, OH and Sue Belu (Dan) of Greensboro, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Geig.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday at the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Clay Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jake Meyers, Owen Meyers, Wyatt Meyers, and Pierce Geig; Cooper Scott and Joey Meyers.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Elmore-Cannon- Stephens Funeral Home and at the home of Eddie and Gretchen Meyers at 3500 Preserve Court.
A memorial service for Ohio friends and family will be held on Saturday, September 25 in Doylestown, Ohio. Details will be announced.
Memorials may be made to Camp Burnt Gin, DHEC Division CSHCN, 2100 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.