Gary Thomas Strength, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, died on August 2, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was 76. He was a graduate of Valley High School, in Valley, Alabama, and Auburn University and worked in a variety of positions in management and sales throughout his career.

Gary was entrepreneurial and enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with others, bragging on his children and grandchildren, and holding court with tall tales and colorful jokes. He had a passion for buying and selling second-hand items, especially cars. He saw value in things and people that others sometimes missed. Before physical difficulties limited his activity, he was a frequent volunteer and kitchen worker at St. Simons Presbyterian Church and then Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. During that time he was also a dedicated guest member of the Jim Wroton Men’s Breakfast at Wesley United Methodist Church on St. Simons Island, a volunteer and supporter of Manna House soup kitchen and HIS Ministries (a Christian community ministry serving the Norwich Street community), and a volunteer and staff member at St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store, all in Brunswick. He enjoyed spending time with people of all walks of life and was quick to make friends, often recognized as a funny, warm-hearted, “one-of-a-kind” man.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Georgia Strength, and Mary Beauchamp, late of Fairfax, Alabama.

He is survived by his son, Jason Strength of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; son Joey Strength and Joey’s wife, Deanie Strength of Savannah, Georgia; grandchildren, John Frank Strength of Denver, Colorado, Stella Strength of Columbia, South Carolina, and James Strength and Nell Strength, both of Savannah. Special surviving friends and family include his neighbors at Ashleigh Place Apartments, friends at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, and Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, his nurse,  Hannah Evans and Tammy Gatch with Coastal Care Partners; former spouse, Susan O. Pitts of Lanett, Alabama, and John Frank and Stella’s mother, Laurel Strength of Signal Mountain. Gary is also survived by his beloved dog, Hunter, who was ever by his side and brought him much joy.

A public memorial service will be held at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond Hill, Georgia, on August 27, 2022, at 11:00 am, followed by a public interment service at the St. Simons Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden, St. Simons Island, Georgia, at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna House, 1408 G. Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or HIS Ministries, P.O. Box 841, Brunswick, Georgia 31520, in his memory.