Gary McCandless

August 9, 1950 - September 4, 2017

Gary “Grumps” McCandless, age 67, husband of Paula McCandless, and a resident of Chapman Lane in Columbia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 4, 2017 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 3PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Bro. Monte McCandless, Bro. Tim McCandless, and Sis. Marlene Bedker officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4-8PM at the funeral home. Another visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-3PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

A native of Columbia, Gary was born on August 9, 1950 and was the son of the late Melvin McCandless and the late Eva Mae Bailey McCandless. He was a devoted member, Deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Faith Pentecostal Church. He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School and served as a Mason for the Masonic Lodge #31. Gary worked as a plumber and pipefitter for the Local 572 where he was an extremely hard worker. He married Paula Ring on August 11, 1967 and together they spent 50 loving years together. He was a giving person with a servant’s heart of gold. He enjoyed fishing and spent a lot of time studying his Bible. Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who worked hard to provide for his family. He was truly loved by everyone and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A man who unselfishly labored so hard for his family, lost his life and left his family and friends on Labor Day.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind to cherish his memory his children: Lynn Duncan (Chet Bauman) of Columbia, Jennifer (RM) McKinzie of Culleoka, Bailey (Jennifer) McCandless of Columbia; brother: Monte (Barbara) McCandless of Culleoka; grandchildren: Matthew and Nicky McKinzie, John (Hilary) Duncan, Shelby (Jamie) Grooms, Hunter Duncan, Savanna Brown, Braydon, Kailey, Hallie, Chelsea McCandless; and five great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be: Matthew McKinzie, Nicky McKinzie, John Duncan, Hunter Duncan, Braydon McCandless, and Paul Ring. Honorary pallbearers will include Gary’s extended family and the members of Faith Pentecostal Church.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Maury Regional Medical Center Emergency Department for their care during this difficult time.