Gary graduated from Deshler High School in 1966. He played on the Tiger football team coached by Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame member Buddy Moore. In his senior year the Tigers were undefeated and were crowned both Quad-Cities and Tennessee Valley Conference Champions. Gary was selected as Deshler's Most Valuable Player for the 1965 season as well as being selected All TVC, All State and played in the North-South Game. He received a football scholarship to Florence State College following high school, playing four years for Coach Hal Self and fellow Hall member Coach Durrell Mock. At UNA, then Florence State University, he was elected permanent team captain and President of the "F" Club. After graduating from college he moved to Forrest City, Arkansas, working as an accountant. Gary died tragically at the age of 24 in a car-train accident leaving behind his wife Martha Fay, son David and son Tomas