SAMMIE LEE GARY

The Rev. Sammie Lee Gary entered the heavenly kingdom of God on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia. Rev. Gary was the husband of the late Martha Ann Capers Gary.

He was born in Sumter to the late James W. Gary Sr. and Thomasina Geddis Gary.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Westend Church.

Early in life, Rev. Gary attended Winn School. He was also a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1961. Rev. Gary also received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies. He also played football as a student. At an early age, he was a member of St. Luke AME Church. He was a devoted member of the various ministries throughout the church as follows: steward board, pastor's aide/pulpit board, Sons of Allen, president of the St. Luke Inspirational Choir and building committee (leading in planning and repairing the damage of the church after Hurricane Hugo in 1989). During this time, he answered the call from God to serve as a minister. In addition, he would receive his training under the guidance of former pastor the late Rev. C.C. Burgess, while receiving his training at Morris College School of Religion throughout the late 1980s and the early 1990s. He also served in the Army during the Vietnam War, in which, he also played semi professional football as a tackle with the Army.

Over next the 20 years of his ministry, Rev. Gary would serve as the pastor of churches at Friendship and Tabernacle AME Church Circuit (Gresham), New Bethel AME Church (Bishopville), St. Matthews AME Church (Lynchburg) and St. John AME Church (Bishopville).

On Aug. 20, 2017, the members of St. Matthew AME Church dedicated the Rev. Sammie L. Gary Fellowship Hall in honor of his leadership. The service was a wonderful occasion in which his son Sherrod accepted the honor on his behalf. Rev. Gary was able to motivate and inspire the people on how to get the fellowship hall built. His wish was that this would be a blessing to the Lynchburg community. Rev. Gary has also served as mentor for many other young ministers answering the call to serve Christ.

In his early years, Rev. Gary also served as a UPS driver in New Jersey in the 1970s. During this time, Rev. Gary also received training in barbering school and communication media school. When he returned home, he served as a residence hall director at Morris College. Additionally, he was a radio DJ, serving areas down in Kingstree and St. George. He was known as "DJ Garry The Soul Ambassador." Rev. Gary served as an educator for the 25 years in the former Sumter School District Two. He served as a history teacher at Mayewood High School, then served the rest of his tenure at Manchester Middle School (Pinewood) and Furman Middle School (Sumter). Rev. Gary also served as the head coach, where he led the Manchester Panthers and Furman Indians to many winning seasons. In addition, he served as a soccer coach for both Mayewood and Hillcrest High Schools. More Importantly, Rev. Gary has always provided his students with love, encouragement, wisdom, motivational quotes and many great life lessons. Students favorite quote from him "Work while you work. Play while you play. This is the way to be happy each and everyday."

Rev. Gary was married to the late Martha Ann Capers Gary and to this union was born a son, Sherrod Lee Gary of Columbia. He also has a daughter, Dr. Gloria Lee Ross Roberston of Forestville, Maryland. He also has a special niece and nephew, Brenda P. Boykin and Charles J. Boykin of Columbia. Rev. Gary also leaves to cherish his memories: a sister, Elizabeth Gary Butler of Sumter; and two brothers, Leroy (Gladys) Gary of Sumter and James (Brendolyn) W. Gary Jr. of Sumter. Additionally, he leaves behind: his in-laws, Harry (Shirley) Capers of Bronx, New York, William B. Lawrence of Bronx, New York, James (Helen) Capers of Jacksonville, Florida, Wayne (Margaret) Capers of Sumter and Grace Wright of Florida; along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Job's Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, SC 29150. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuaryinc@gmail.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.