Gary Lee Race Obituary
Gary Lee Race, 82, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2020.
Gary was born on Aug. 27, 1938 to George and Gail Race in Huntingdon, PA. He married Joyce Snyder on August 17, 1958.
After graduating from Penn State in 1959, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and served proudly as an Airborne Ranger. He served two tours in Vietnam during his 26 years of service and retired as a Major. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Air Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, 5 Vietnam Campaign Stars, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal.
Gary is a Life Legacy member and Past Post Commander of Red Lodge VFW Post 4725. He also served as Past Post Commander of Absarokee VFW Post 7311, District 3 Commander, and State Chief of Staff.
In 1998, Gary and Joyce moved from Orlando, FL to Roscoe, MT and later to Absarokee, MT. Over the past 22 years, Gary continued service to his community by starting the Absarokee Area Food Bank in 2016, serving as President of the Stillwater Senior Center, and a board member of the Absarokee Community Congregational Church. He was most recently instrumental in creating Absarokee Community Services which included free van transportation for medical appointments.
Gary enjoyed life abundantly and loved to travel with his family to destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, and a 28 day cruise to the South Pacific. Just 3 weeks ago, he proudly attended his granddaughter’s wedding in FL and had one last dance with Joyce in his black cowboy hat and boots. He was determined to have a picture taken with the entire Race family which we will all treasure forever.
Gary is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 62 years; children Kim Kynast (Steve), Linda Payne (Bill), and Dan Race (Patti); 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for summer 2021.
Gary was born on Aug. 27, 1938 to George and Gail Race in Huntingdon, PA. He married Joyce Snyder on August 17, 1958.
After graduating from Penn State in 1959, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and served proudly as an Airborne Ranger. He served two tours in Vietnam during his 26 years of service and retired as a Major. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Air Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, 5 Vietnam Campaign Stars, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal.
Gary is a Life Legacy member and Past Post Commander of Red Lodge VFW Post 4725. He also served as Past Post Commander of Absarokee VFW Post 7311, District 3 Commander, and State Chief of Staff.
In 1998, Gary and Joyce moved from Orlando, FL to Roscoe, MT and later to Absarokee, MT. Over the past 22 years, Gary continued service to his community by starting the Absarokee Area Food Bank in 2016, serving as President of the Stillwater Senior Center, and a board member of the Absarokee Community Congregational Church. He was most recently instrumental in creating Absarokee Community Services which included free van transportation for medical appointments.
Gary enjoyed life abundantly and loved to travel with his family to destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, and a 28 day cruise to the South Pacific. Just 3 weeks ago, he proudly attended his granddaughter’s wedding in FL and had one last dance with Joyce in his black cowboy hat and boots. He was determined to have a picture taken with the entire Race family which we will all treasure forever.
Gary is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 62 years; children Kim Kynast (Steve), Linda Payne (Bill), and Dan Race (Patti); 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for summer 2021.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Gary Lee Race hosted by Smith Funeral Chapel.
Events
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Gary Lee Race.