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Celebrating the life of

Gary M. Cartee

December 04, 1953 - August 25, 2021

Gary M. Cartee

Gary M. Cartee, 67, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born in Savannah, GA. He was the son of Walter and Jackquelyn Cartee. He was educated in the Savannah public schools and later attended Armstrong State College.

Gary began his career as a route salesman for Derst Baking Company. After 43 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2020 from Flowers Foods/Derst Baking Company as General Manager.

Gary was a man of Godly character and integrity. He led by example and encouraged others to love the Lord and to always do the right thing. He was known to say he had “never had a bad day”. Gary was a member of Compassion Christian Church and enjoyed traveling and especially loved taking care of his family.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Jan, Gary leaves behind his daughter, Valerie Morton and husband David of Savannah; son, Kevin Cartee of Savannah; grandsons, Dylan and Dawson Morton of Savannah; brother, Walter (Ed) Cartee Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; family friend Gray Armstrong of Savannah; several close in-laws,  nieces , nephews and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in Gary’s memory to the Salvation Army at:   give.salvationarmyusa.org

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family request that you please wear a mask and observe social distancing at the graveside service.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I am sorry for your loss.

- Bobby Nunnally, Columbia , SC

Gary was a mentor and a believer in me. He gave me the opportunity to come to Savannah with Derst Baking and have a fulfilling career. My family, Sue and ours boys, Michael and Andrew, have loved living in Richmond Hill and enjoy what Savannah has to offer. I will miss his always positive and upbeat look at selling a loaf of bread. Thank You Gary.

- Mike and Sue Rowan, Richmond Hill, Ga

Hello Jan Gary will always be an important part of my memories . He is everything a man is supposed to be In the few years we worked together I learned a lot about leadership , character and the bread Buisness and how to have a sense of humor I still see the picture he showed me when he had that long blond long hair in the 70’s….. we shared a lot of great conversations I know it will be tough but Gary will always be watching out for you and your family Regards Joe Tashie

- Joe Tashie, Chapel Hill, NC

So sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful husband and father. Sending prayers and blessings. May peace and love wrap it’s arms tightly around the family during this time of sadness.

- Linda Combs, Savannah, Ga.

Jan I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you feel peace and relish the memories you made.

- Vicki Carter, Guyton, GA

May his spirit of kindness and connection continue to influence those who were blessed to cross his path.

- Butler, Overland Park, KS

Our hearts are sad & breaking for your family. Celebrating Gary’s life, he was always giving God the glory. His life was well lived in how he loved the Lord, the church & his family. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Jeff & Wanda

- Jeff & Wanda Burnsed, Savannah, GA

Our heartfelt condolences to Mr Gary's family and friends. He was my mentor as well as my boss for several years and I always looked up to him and even after moving to different States with the bread company I would call and get his advice on things. He will be greatly missed.

- Neil and Penny Middleton , Ludowici, GA

Valerie and family I was so very saddened to hear the loss of your daddy! These are very sad times and me and my children know how you feel! No words can said that matches the pain your heart! I will continue to pray that our Lord Jesus Christ wraps His arms around you ,your mom and brother and your family for continued comfort and love!! He heart aches for you!! With all our love, Julie, Lauren, Emily and Matt Hadden.

- Julie Hadden, Pooler, Ga

A candle has been lit!

We will always love and remember you, sweet Uncle Gary

- Keels, Bloomingdale, GA

Jan and family so sorry for your loss. Will always remember our snow skiing trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

- David and Jane Mitchell, Savannah, Georgia

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

- Tonya Mitchell Morgan , Wilmington, NC

Kevin, sweetie, I'm so deeply sorry about you losing your dad. We're far away but my mom and I have you and your whole family in our hearts and thoughts. I've spent only one holiday at your home meeting them but it is such a kind and warm memory and you are such a dear friend to me. I know his love for all of you will always live on. Take care of one another.

- Aleksandra and Dora , Chicago, IL

Gary was a godly man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He had a great sense of humor, too! He and Jan volunteered in our church bookstore faithfully for several years. Our deep condolences to your family.

- Mickey and Karen Boutwell, Savannah, GA

Jan you are in my prayers will.always rember him and his mom and dad I will miss him had some good times with ms Jackie and mr cartee took care of her

- Patriciabowen, Savannah, Georgia

I grew up down the street from Gary as kids. It was a great neighborhood for kids. Many good times. This is so sad, way too early to pass away.

- Danny Lewis, Savannah, GA

What an amazing person, he always had a smile and a kind word for me .Gary was my boss, my mentor and above all my friend. Even after he retired he would always check on me and we always ended our conversation with I Love You Brother !! He will truly be missed.

- Alex and Adela Smith, Guyton, Ga

I have fond memories of working with Gary at Derst Baking Company. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

- Audrie Brabham, Savannah , GA 41411

Jan, Kevin and Valerie I am sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. He absolutely always had a smile on his face. I know you all will miss him greatly! I will be praying for you all as you grieve this loss, but we know you will see him again someday! Love to you all!

- Rose Blanton, Winston Salem, NC

Jan, we were deeply sadden to hear about Gary. As you know, I was instrumental in getting you and he together back in our junior high and high school days. Gary's daddy worked with Danny's daddy at Travis Field for many years. Gary was an outstanding person with a friendly smile always on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord bless you and give you and your family strength in the days to ahead.

- Danny & Beth Goette, Thunderbolt, GA

I have known Gary for many years. We at one time belonged to the same Church, and we both worked for Derst Baking/Flowers Foods. Gary was a good friend, and although we worked in different departments in the bakery, we came into contact with each other quite often. He was a man of integrity, and a Brother in Christ. I will be praying for Jan, and the rest of the family.

- Herb Hilderbrand, Savannah, Ga.

Jan & Family, My heart aches for your loss. Gary's love for all people, his faith in God and family lead me to believe in God's angels on earth. I felt blessed to have worked with him at Derst Baking/ Flowers Foods. He was a great son, brother, husband, father ,grandfather, leader and friend. He will be missed dearly. Take comfort in God's love. Sincerely, Ruth Collier retiree Derst Baking/ Flowers Foods

- Ruth A Collier , Hazlehurst , Ga

Jan and Family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We have all lost a true treasure. Gary was always kind, very funny, and loved people. I truly enjoyed the time we spent working in Savannah. I will always remember that never ending smile, the fun stories, and the passion he had for life. Gary was a true blessing to us all.

- Steven Morani, Granite Falls, NC

Jan, So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a good friend. Gary was a good man. Jan, you and your family will be in Suzanne and mine thoughts and prayers.

- Robert and Suzanne White, Tyrone, Ga.

Jan & Family, Mickey and I are so saddened for you and the family. Gary was such a wonderful man and good friend. We have so many wonderful memories of being together with you both at GFIA conventions and other Flower’s functions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bring comfort. Janell & Mickey

- Janell & Mickey Miller, Eufaula, AL

I had the pleasure of helping Gary purchase some home appliances recently, that’s the only experience I have to share as I did not know the family prior but in that one experience I could tell that Gary and his lovely wife were the salt of the earth type of people that anyone would be lucky to cross paths or get to know. Please know I will keep the family in my prayers!

- Christopher Horne, Guyton, Ga

Jan and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

- Pat Campbell , Richmond hill , Ga

Jan and Family: I am so sorry that I missed the services for Gary. I was totally un aware of his passing. Was talking with a friend of Both Gaey and Myself and he had shared the loss with me just a few minutes ago. I know his loss will leave a big vacancy in the whole family I personally am now mourning his passing too. If ever i can do anything please just give me a call Mike Hosti Tybee Island ga 3128

- Mike Hosti, Tybee Island, GA

Jan, Valerie, Kevin and family So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. What a super guy!! He was quite the jokester. Still remember him inviting Pat and I to Johnny Harris after church one Sunday, his treat!!! I feel for it, he got the biggest laugh at my expense. Never talked to him since. Just kidding. Anyone who knew Gary had to love him. What an uplifting personality and what a smile. Remember with fondness our trips to out of town football games. First man I knew that in the dead of winter, he wore shorts. Think of y’all often. If ever in S. GA. look us up.

- Leslie and Patricia Parkman, Tifton, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200