Gary Casey Whitlock, aged 65, died unexpectedly of diabetic ketoacidosis on July 31, 2020, in
Lawton, Oklahoma with Gary Jr. and his beloved Danie at his side. Pops, Sr., or Uncle as he
was commonly known, was born on December 5, 1954 in Yreka, California to Colleen Marie
Casey and David Earl Whitlock. He is survived by His “Little Sister” Chrissy, His younger
brother, Sean, His four sons Gary Jr., Brandon, Jeremy and John. and his grandchildren,
Shawn and Katie.
Gary would hate the attention to his death, but more than anything he would hate us to
sugarcoat his journey.
He led a colorful life, at times on the edge. At the age of thirteen, he worked off a debt for his
first vehicle. He would often take trips to Tahoe or Reno with his renegade and outsider
buddies. It didn’t take long for him to find trouble, he was sent to a boys ranch where they
cultivated their own food, and worked the land and livestock, which further solidified his work
ethic. He viewed hard work as an opportunity to get strong. He lead a rough life and over the
years he was shot, stabbed, snake bit, incarcerated, and even left for dead. But he never
didn’t put one foot in front of the other.
Pops got clean and sober at the age of 29 and he clocked out with 36 years of uninterrupted
sobriety. He was a beloved member of the Sharing and Caring Fellowship and North
Sacramento Groups. For so many he was a “safe place to land” He made you feel welcome
wanted and accepted. He always said “Don’t drink, don’t use, no matter f..... what.”
Gary was a unique individual, humble, stubborn, loyal and honest to a fault. He was generally
non-judgmental and the only time he ever criticized anyone was if someone hurt one of his
people. He was also generous with what little he had and frequently would use his last drop of
gas to go rescue anyone in need.
Pops loved antiques and he had and eye for rust. He had no interest in modern things and the
internet and facebook were quite an adventure for him.
His latter years were plagued by heart problems, diabetes and physical pain, caused by 80+
hour work weeks in the Gas and oil fields, his cowboy way of doing things, and blunt force
trauma. He spent his last year at his beloved youngest son’s home. He was spoiled by Danie
whom he absolutely adored. He spent his time studying holistic medicines, binge watching
Netflix (John Wayne), attending Drag races with Gary Jr., lecturing the grandkids and cuddling
with kittens.
Gary Casey Whitlock lived his own truth, he dug his own holes, he did his own time, he walked
his own path and he died on his own terms.
Gary always quoted “I’m not the man I want to be, but I’m trying to be a better man”.
Gary achieved that goal.
There will be a memorial service at the North Sacramento Group on August 16th at noon to be
held outside. We will post details on Pops facebook.