Gary L. Salisbury, 78, passed away in Greenwood on Friday morning, March 17, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Charlene Salisbury (Clark), daughter Michele (Chris), daughter Symone, sibling Karen (Fell), seven grandchildren – Brian (Lauren), Blake (Wendy), Cody, Kyle, Paige, Jade and Eden – and two great grandchildren, Drake and Zane.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather (Jim) and son, James (Karla).

Gary was born on January 15, 1945 in Fairfield, Illinois to Harry and Dorothy “Dot” Salisbury. He spent part of his childhood in his mom’s home state of Connecticut where he wandered the woods and imagined he was a cowboy.

At age 14, Gary met the love of his life: Charlene. In 1962, he graduated from Decatur Central High School and joined the Air Force. Basic training took place in San Antonio, Texas and he served four years in Marquette, Michigan. In just three years, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. One of his roles was guarding the planes and main gate entrance into the K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base. He also wrote for its newspaper.

Following his military career, Gary entered the logistics industry. The job took him and his family to Indiana, Illinois and back to the Hoosier state again.

In the late 1960s, he was the lead singer and guitarist in a band. A passion for music continued throughout his life. He had a standing gig at Teddy’s Burger Joint in Indianapolis playing guitar and singing where he lovingly referred to Charlene as his roadie. A highlight of family gatherings was sitting together in Gary and Charlene’s basement singing along with him. And movie nights.

Family was – in a word – everything. He thrived around loved ones. Including his beloved Shih Tzu Fitzgerald and other pets.

Gary was also a poet and avid reader – enjoying Shakespeare, Greek mythology and everything in between.

He fiercely fought a battle with cancer, while retaining positivity and wry wit.

Funeral services for Gary are Thursday, March 23 at 1:00 pm at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel with visitation at the funeral home from 11:00 am until time of service. Gary will be laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with full military honors.