Gary Lee DeBord, 49, of Alum Creek passed away Tuesday December 4, 2012 at home.
He was a coal truck driver for Alpha Natural Resources Black Castle Mine. He was also a Sargent 1st Class serving in the U.S. Army Reserves for the last 29 years, he had also served in Iraq for a period during that time.
He is survived by his loving family, parents, Gene and Yvonne DeBord of Alum Creek; son, Justin Debord; sister, Paula (Greg) Meikle of Alum Creek; favorite nephew and niece, David and Julie Meikle, whom he loved with all his heart and many cousins.
Gary was a loving son, brother and father. He loved his family and was loved by all who knew him. He touched many lives with his kindness, always having a smile for everyone. Those who knew Gary will remember him as a proud soldier during the war on Iraq. He was a pitch-in helper wherever he was needed, and a generous hugger who loved spending time with his family and friends.
A tribute to Gary’s life will be 2:00 pm Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor James McQuerrey officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Memorial Park South Charleston . Friends will gather from 6 to 8 pm Friday and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
He touched… so many lives in many ways.
He brought light at times of darkness. I am a better person just by his aquaintance.
Gary was the best human being and my dearest friend I don’t know how to deal with this. He lived on my mail route and I could not wait to get a huge from him. He was the kindest person I ever knew. I love and miss him.
I am truly saddened at the news of Gary’s passing. I’ve had the pleasure of serving with Gary for many years. Gary’s happy go lucky outlook, positive attitude and infectious grin made him a joy to be around. He could be counted on and he truly cared about the everyone around him. It has been an honor to serve with you and a privilege to call you friend. Maj. Lewis
SFC Debord. I was proud to serve with you. You were always a light in times when things might not have been as fun. You never were down, at least not to us younger troops but instead always had a smile, a joke, and a light heart. I am thankful I knew you. I have no doubt you are continuing on as the wonderful spirit you were.
Heaven has another precious child.We know Gary is at peace in the arms of His Saviour Jesus. We feel your pain and will pray for your healing. Our hearts ache with you and we will be thinking about you with much love and constantly praying that Jesus will help you through this difficult time. Jesus is an ever present help. You all are loved, Barbara, Jan, and Phil from TN.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary was a great friend and he will be sadly missed.I’ll never forget the talks and how he made me laugh. Gary was a great guy .May God bless your family.
Trace Transport will never be the same without our friend “Sarge”. He was a great soldier, patriot, true red white and blue American, truck driver and a dear friend. We all feel blessed to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time, as it is a difficult time for all of us. Sarge will be sadly missed and the times we had with him will never be forgotten.
Dear Debord family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I was deeply sadden to hear of Gary’s passing. I had the honor to serve with Gary as his Platoon Leader in the 261st Ordnance Company from 1994 until 1996 and crossed paths in the Army Reserves until my retirement. Gary was outstanding example of a Sergeant to all that served with him. No matter what mission he was given, it was accomplished. He lived by the moto: “Mission First, Troops Always”. He always took care of the soldiers that were placed under his command. In the most professional way, he would let a officer know if there was an issue that needed address in order to take care of soldiers. He never came to me about fixing an issue about himself, it was always about others. A Soldier’s Soldier. We will all deeply miss Gary and look forward to seeing him again some day.
My deepest and sincere sympathy during this difficult time. Gary was a great friend all through school. I recall spending time at his house after school from Junior High. He was a very kind soul. I wish I had kept touch with him through the years. We are all grateful for his service to his Country. Bobby Harless
Dear Debord Family,
I met Gary when I worked at Blackcastle Mining. I grew to know him quite well as a true friend as we all did. He would come over to my house for dinner, or just to hang out, most recently on my birthday in October. When I heard about his passing, I was floored. He was always the tough and rugged guy. When people would pick on me or mess with me, he was the only one who would step up and say enough is enough or you leave Dusty alone. I am a man, but not above saying I wept when I found out. He was a very true, dear friend. I will really miss you Sarge, that’s what we called him. I love you man, rest well.
Deat Friends, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time in your life. I am so sadden with this news. God bless you all. Peg P.
Dear DeBord Family,
My prayers and blessings are with you at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was an incredible man. I was lucky to have him as part of my life the past few years. He was filled with more love than anyone I have ever known. I will miss him and his love of life. God Bless, Love, Vanessa
It is with a heavy heart that I write these words today after hearing of Gary’s passing. I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Gary as his First Sergeant and will always remember his eagerness to accomplish any mission presented him. He was mission and team focused and loved serving his country. Rest in peace Sergeant First Class Debord, rest in peace brother.
Dear Debord family….my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…I am so sorry for your loss. Love always Pam (Bonnie’s daughter from Michigan)