We've known Gary for almost 30 years... first met when starting to do some painting at our house. We had an instant bond through football and in particular, at that time, by being avid Oakland Raider fans! Then when we got our Carolina Panthers, we had that in common as well. Of course our friendship was a lot deeper than football and paint and we spoke many times through the week. Before the store took him to Gastonia, there were many lunchtime chats over Wendy's frosties. We'll always remember the last tailgate when many friends gathered together to celebrate our friend. Even after he left for California, our tailgates included a call to Gary and the passing of the phone among friends. We couldn't believe that we had that Sunday phone call and then, too soon, we learned he was "gone.' Not to be forgotten though, we shall think of him fondly and often. "L8r Raider" - Tom and Sandy Faris