Clarence Gary Gist (aka Gary), 70, of Mocksville, passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville.

He was born May 3, 1952, in Russellville, AL, to the late Clarence Earl and Boyce Mae Pounders Gist. Gary married his high school sweetheart (Debbie) in 1972, and eventually celebrated 50 years together. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines serving in Cherry Point. Gary had worked at Rockford Products and various Camcar Textron locations in Rockford, IL area as a manufacturing header operator for many years, often training our next generation, and later retired from Daimler Freightliner in Cleveland as a lead predelivery and customs inspector customizing those "big rigs" we all see on the open road. He loved spending time with his family, and very proud of his two children and son-in-law, three grandchildren and recently watching his great-granddaughter grow. Gary loved 4-wheeling, and having the occasional adult beverage with his son-in-law, Chris. Spending time with friends and family was a highlight to Gary enjoying every moment spent with them whether sitting on the porch, traveling somewhere together or just watching movies. One of his favorite hobbies was building and wrenching on cars, refurbishing cars and bringing them back to their original glory. He loved teaching and learning from his son with his various toys, and watching his son paint cars. Gary loved his baby pug, Jazzy, spoiling her absolutely rotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Debra "Debbie" Lou DeGrave Gist; and siblings, his twin brother, infant Jerry Gist, Marshall Gist, George Gist, and Juanita Gist.

Survivors include children, Cheri Johns (Chris) and Thomas Gist (Bonnie Helms); grandchildren, Cayden Johns (Tiffany), Abigail Leigh Gist Webb (James), and Caytlin Mae Johns; and great-granddaughter, Willow Rae; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, extended family, neighbors, and loved ones.

A special thank you goes out to his son Tom and Bonnie Helms for all the love and care they gave to him in his last days.

A memorial service will be conducted at 4:30 p.m., Monday, December 12, at Lambert Funeral Chapel, with Mr. Eric Flouton officiating, with Military Honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post 9010 Memorial Honor Guard. The service will be available to view on the funeral home website. The family will have a time of gathering immediately following the service.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Rockford, IL.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com