Mr. Gary Graham Southard, 76, of Pooler, GA, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his home.

Gary was born in Baltimore, MD and was a son to the late Harold & Dorothy Deckert Southard.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Powers.  He served his country in the U.S. Army and was the retired owner/operator of Gary Southard Creative Services.  He had a creative mind, was an avid reader, wood worker, and an avid cross-country skier.  He enjoyed fly fishing and hiking.  Gary enjoyed his life in Georgia, walking his dogs and chatting with his friends and neighbors in the community.  Gary and Pam loved to go dancing on weekends and enjoyed meeting friends for dinner.

Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Pamala Hoffman Southard; son, Carsten Michael Southard and his fiancé, Amie Stone, as well as his grandson, Ethan Southard; son, Eric Christopher Southard and his wife, April, as well as their children, Reed, Alden, and Sage Southard; step-daughters, Michele Gibbs and Kimberly Engle, their spouses and children, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

In a letter written to his wife and sons, opened as he wished at his death, a portion of the letter said, "What my God has given me is a chance, a chance to live my life in the way I wanted.  And I enjoyed it.  Never rich, never poor.  Enjoyed the good days.  Learned from the bad.  Loved and was loved in return.  Could I have asked for more ?  Don't be foolish, of course, I could.  Anything worth doing is worth overdoing and when I had the chance, I did it.  But whenever my time is up – it's up.  Don't call it fatalism.  Call it reality.  If you really want to mourn for me, find a shady spot next to a clear stream, relax and think of how much I would have enjoyed it – and how much I loved each of you"!

Gary's wishes were to be cremated.  A celebration of life service will be held in Maryland at a future date for all family and friends.   In lieu of cards/flowers to the family, please make a donation to Hospice Savannah (hospicesavannah.org) or the Parkinson's Foundation (Parkinson.org)

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444