Gary Wayne Slocumb

In Loving Memory of Gary Wayne Slocumb

If you ever heard a deep, contagious laugh floating across a room — or an airport terminal, or the cereal aisle — you may have already met Gary. Gary Wayne Slocumb, 75, of Albany, Georgia, passed away on November 15, 2025, leaving behind a family who adored him, countless shared laughs, and a lifetime of stories that will be retold for years to come.

Born January 20, 1950, in El Reno, Oklahoma, Gary grew up with a curiosity about the world that never left him - especially when it came to geography. He always knew where he was headed, but even more importantly, he enjoyed the journey, wherever it led.

Gary spent his career as an electrician, bringing a steady calm to his work and a mischievous grin to just about everything else. He liked what he did and he did it well, but what people will remember most is not the wires he fixed — it’s the memories he created while doing it.

But the heart of Gary’s world was his wife, Deborah, his partner in just about everything for 53 years. Together they traveled, explored, cruised, wandered, and laughed their way through life. Whether on a ship in Alaska or on a road trip to somewhere they’d never been, Gary was happiest with Deborah by his side. No matter the destination, Gary was happiest simply being with her.

He loved fishing, target practice, and spending time outdoors where life felt quieter and the world made a little more sense. Animals held a special place in his heart, especially his beloved dogs, Beau and Dixie, who were devoted to him in the way only dogs know how.

Gary also loved making people laugh. He had a sense of humor that could turn an ordinary day into a good one, and a mischievous streak that kept everyone on their toes. Life around him was lighter, brighter, and usually a little funnier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Slocumb, and his brother Mike Slocumb.

Gary is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Tamra Chapman (Clint), James Kimbrell, and Hope Marie Lyons (Michael); and his grandchildren, Allie, Ben, Tyler, Cierra, and Christian — each of whom carries a bit of his spark, his humor, and the joy he brought into the world.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where Gary’s family will gather to tell stories, share laughter, and honor the man who made their lives richer just by being in them. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Georgia Hospice Care.

If love could have kept him here, he’d be with us still. But his laughter, his lessons, and his spirit will echo for a long, long time.