Gary Phillip Mcelhenney

Surrounded by his family, Gary Phillip McElhenney, of Eatonton, passed away at the age of 77 in Athens, Georgia on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Gary was born on September 25, 1946 to the late Hughlon "Mac" and Lillian Stewart McElhenney in Toccoa, Georgia. He graduated from Putnam County High School in 1964 and later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1969 and was a Life Member of the UGA Alumni Association. Gary served in the National Guard where he completed his service as a Staff Sergeant.

Gary was a faithful servant, both to his community and his church. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Eatonton where he was a deacon, served on numerous committees and was heavily involved in the children's ministry and the choir. In 2019, he was honored at the Founder's Day Service at First Baptist. Gary worked as an EMT for Putnam County beginning in 1975 and was later appointed as Battalion Chief of Fire-Rescue for Putnam County. He was elected as Putnam County Coroner in 1984 where he served through November 1, 2019. During his career, he served in the Georgia Coroner's Association as the treasurer for 22 years, the President from 1991-1992 and was selected as Coroner of the Year twice. Additionally, Gary was appointed by former Governor Roy Barnes to serve on the Georgia Coroner's Training Committee. He served as the Chapter Chair for American Red Cross for the Middle Georgia Area. In 2019, Gary was selected as the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. After his retirement, Gary was elected as Putnam County Commissioner for District 1, where he served proudly for the past 4 years. Gary was a member of the Lions Club of Eatonton and served as the President. He also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary Post 6686.

Gary is survived by his children Pam McElhenney Lacey (John) of White Plains, GA; Tom McElhenney (Amy) of Eatonton, GA; Cristi Sheppard (Mike) of Tallulah Falls, GA; Leslie Peebles (David) of Eatonton, GA; Carri Thomas (Jacob) of Greensboro, GA; grandchildren TJ McElhenney, John Luke Lacey, Lily Kate McElhenney, Braxton Thomas, Hunter Sheppard, Wyatt Thomas, Lawson Peebles, Elli Blake Thomas, Billy Peebles, Maggie Sheppard, Tucker Peebles, and Tanner Peebles; sisters, Carole Tyler of Monticello, GA, and Lou Ann Vining (Michael) of Roberta, GA and numerous aunts and cousins.

The family of Gary McElhenney would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff they have encountered at St. Mary's Good Samaritan, St. Mary's Athens Critical Care Team, and Landmark Hospital and especially to Ally, Kathleen, Jill, Stacy, Heath, Jan and KD for their comfort, support, and guidance.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Eatonton with interment to follow at Eatonton Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Eatonton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gatewood Schools Athletic Program, First Baptist Church of Eatonton, or the Eatonton Lions Club.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has charge of funeral arrangements.