Raymond Gary

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.

Private Funeral Service for Mr. Raymond Gerard Gary will be conducted 12:30 PM Monday, January 11, 2021 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina. Interment will follow 2:00 PM Monday, January 11, 2021 at Florence National Cemetery, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

A Time to Live

Raymond Gerard Gary, the first child of the late Raymond Ross “Josh” and Essie Daniels Gary, was born on May 16, 1944 in Cain, South Carolina. His maternal grandfather, the late Patrick Henry Daniels, affectionately called him “Pee Wee.” This nickname has followed him throughout his life.

A Time to Grow

Raymond was educated in the public schools of Florence County and graduated from Wilson High School in June 1961. On August 24, 1961, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country honorably for four years, four months and several days, completing his active duty on December 17, 1965. He then completed his Reserve obligation on August 23, 1967.

Raymond obtained a position at Sears Distribution Center, Norfolk, Virginia in 1966. There he worked in the Shipping Department for 5 years. During this time, he attended Trade School and completed a “Heavy Equipment Operators Course” and a course in “Plumbing and Pipefitting.” He then gained employment as a truck driver in 1971. He proudly proclaimed that he traveled to 45 of the 50 states. Raymond remained in this position until he returned home in 1979.

From 1979 to 1984, he was employed as a truck driver at Thomas & Howard Food Distribution Company, Florence, South Carolina. He then obtained a position at Koppers Wood Treatment Plant and remained there until 1989. During this time, he worked part-time at Schofield Hardware. In 1989, he assumed a full-time position at Schofield Hardware. On June 14, 1990, he accepted a position at Palmetto Packaging Corporation. There he performed his duties diligently for 26 years. He remained there until he retired in December 2016.

During his leisure time, Raymond enjoyed fishing, watching sports and history shows and traveling. He listed the “three greatest thrills” of his life as “marrying Brenda, watching the grandbaby grow up and being invited twice to the Pittsburgh Pirates Try-Out Camp.”

A Time to Worship

There are three steps to heaven: out of self; into Christ; into glory. Beginning an abiding relationship, Raymond accepted Christ as his Savior and united with Mount Rona Baptist Church, Effingham, South Carolina. Now he has taken the third step where there is no more weeping, no pain, and no sorrow.

A Time to Love

On December 10, 1992, Raymond married his one true love, Brenda Brooks Gary. Through this union, he was blessed with a bonus daughter, Nicole Wilson Cade.

A Time to Die

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Ann Gary; and two brothers, Marvin Gary and Albert Gary.

A Time to Mourn

His memories will be cherished by his devoted wife, Brenda; daughter, Nicole Wilson Cade of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter, Shakyra Cade (his heart string) of Valdosta, Georgia; three sisters, Creola Gary, Sandra Gary and Rose Gary all of Florence, South Carolina; three brothers, Herbert (Vernice) Gary of Riverdale, Georgia, Ronell Gary of Wimauma, Florida, and James Gary of Charlotte, North Carolina; eleven nephews and nieces, Russell “Tap”, Leonard, Anthony, Carmen, Azalea, LaShania, Adrienne, Courtney, Travis, Albert, Jr, and Christopher; eighteen grandnephews and nieces; twelve great grandnephews and nieces; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

Public viewing will be 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, January 10, 2021 at J. O.& Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina.

Due to COVID-19 friends may call (843)615-6853 or condolences can be mailed to 505 Anson St., Florence, SC 29501.

Please keep the family of Raymond G. Gary in your thoughts and prayer