Tributes

Gary Dale Gatlin, 79, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, due to pulmonary fibrosis. Gary was born on Tuesday, May 25, 1943, in Flint, Michigan. During his childhood he lived in Flint, Michigan; Tucson, AZ; and Grand Blanc, Michigan. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1961 where he played on championship teams in football and baseball. After high school he attended Flint Junior College where he earned an associate degree in applied science while completing the tool and die apprenticeship program at the General Motors V-8 Engine Plant. In his over three-and-a-half-decade career with UAW-GM, Gary proudly served as a UAW committeeman, health and safety representative and was instrumental in helping to ensure that workers enjoyed a safe workplace and in launching the UAW-GM Health and Safety Culture Change initiative at the engine plant. He also served on the UAW negotiation team for many local contracts, and it is reported that some language he crafted still lives in the local agreement. Gary was awarded the UAW Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. It was at Flint Junior College that he met the love of his life, Donna Sue Knowles first at a college dance and later at a local ice cream shop in Donna’s neighborhood—the Custard Cottage. This sweetness lasted the rest of their married life as they celebrated their 60th anniversary on February 23, 2023! Gary was a talented craftsman making custom-made golf clubs for family and friends, toys and furniture for kids and grandkids, and many other creations made by hand with love. He was a quick-witted observer of life, especially of things that were out of sync with the way they should be. The “way they should be” always included fidelity, personal responsibility, loyalty, fairness, and hard work. Gary trusted in Jesus and was courageous in approaching the end of this life and entry into the next. It was clear to all that he dearly loved his wife and best friend Donna, his three daughters and the family they helped God create for all of them to enjoy together. Gary is survived by his wife Donna, his daughters Dana (Tom) Byrum, Angela (Jeff) Iceberg, and Kristen Gatlin; grandkids Brittni (Graham) Whitley, Corrine (Nick) Flanagan, Erica (Eric) Ek, Kayleigh Reeg, Jacob Iceberg (Elise Mitchell), Kennedy (Nick) Griffeth, Madison (Ben) Carroll, Morgan Reeg, and Carlos (Courtney) Marinho; and great grandkids Scottie Flanagan, Christian Whitley, Marshall Flanagan, Britta Ek, Maya Mitchell Iceberg, Raelyn Griffeth, Moises Marinho, and Rachelle Marinho. Also surviving, a brother Dallas (Nola) Gatlin, and sisters Cindy (Michael) Pullara, and Janene Sholes, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Darwin and Betty Gatlin, Donna’s parents Dale and Marie Knowles, brother Ronald (Judy) Gatlin, sister Sheron (Stan) Coats, brother Dennis, and brother Darrell. Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Gary’s life was held at the family home and concluded at one of his favorite outdoor spots, The Heritage Marina. Donna and the family want to thank the many neighbors and friends who shared meals and showed kindness in so many ways. Those wishing to express condolences and celebrate Gary’s life are encouraged make a memorial contribution in his name to Carriage Town Ministries, 605 Garland St., Flint. Michigan, 48403, carriagetown.org, a Christian homeless shelter in his home town.

Tributes

Gary Dale Gatlin

May 25, 1943 - May 5, 2023