Harold’s Obituary Harold Eugene “Gene” McGary, 72, passed away on his birthday, Sunday, January 13, 2019, after a three year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was surrounded by family. Gene is survived by his wife of 46 years, Robin; his son Michael McGary and wife Angel, daughter Tara Huggins and husband Derek, and Ryan Adams, whom he considered his son, and wife Joanie; sisters Donna Richards, Sharon Moore and husband Ed, and Marlene Zippilli and husband Pat; aunt Nikki Piegaro; sister-in-law Kelly Fontaine and fiance Mark, grandchildren Jesse, Sydney, Alyssa, Michaela, Jaedyn, and Xandeur.
He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Eva McGary, mother-in-law Teresa Whiteman, brothers Mike and Rusty McGary, and brother-in-law Buck Richards. Gene was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia and raised in Stonewood, West Virginia.
He graduated with the Class of 1965 at Roosevelt Wilson High School in Nutter Fort, West Virginia and later earned a degree from Salem College in West Virginia. Gene served in the Vietnam War with the United States Army and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was employed with Ingersoll Rand from 1972 to 1997, transferring to Texas with the company in 1982.
He then worked in the Street Department at the City of Garland until he retired in 2009, due to suffering a severe injury at work that resulted in the loss of his right arm. He went on to face many hardships due to his injury, but he refused to give up and instead found ways to adapt situations to fit his needs. Gene enjoyed many hobbies including golfing, working on cars (especially his ‘31 Chevy), furniture upholstering and refinishing, building things, watching WWE and the Jason Bourne movies (he talked like Jason was his buddy!
), taking care of his yard, and putting puzzles together. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family and friends. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Wade Wilson of Southwest Pulmonary Associates for the wonderful care and friendship he gave to Gene over the last three years.
Gene’s body was donated to the UT Southwestern Medical Center in hopes that in death he can help others, as he did so often in life. Upon return of his ashes, he will be interred in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 2:00PM on January 20, 2019 at Allen Funeral Home located at 508 Masters Avenue in Wylie, Texas.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
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