Gary VanVallis of Shelby Township passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at the age of 75.

Gary was born on February 17, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a son of Peter and Geraldine (LaBelle) VanVallis. Shortly after graduating high school, Gary joined the United State Marine Corps and proudly served during the Vietnam Era and received a National Defense Service Medal and U.S. Rifle M-14 Marksman Award. On February 27, 1971, he married Lynne Porter at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores and they shared 53 wonderful years together. Gary owned and operated an industrial service company and never truly retired, always making himself available to help when needed. He had an obsession for drag racing and he was very involved with cars and racing. Gary enjoyed hunting and playing games on the computer. When he wasn’t drag racing or hunting, you could find him tinkering in his garage working on his Corvette or anything he could find. Gary was the life of the party and everyone who knew him, loved him. Above everything in his life was his family. Gary loved his family and friends unconditionally and did everything he could for them. His passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Gary is survived by his wife, Lynne; children, Heather (Bobby) Redden and Gary (Kim) VanVallis; grandchildren, Tyler (Paige Cromwell) Keary, Jacob Keary, Kimberly VanVallis, Collin VanVallis and Nicholas VanVallis; great-grandson, Bentley Cromwell; brother, Charles (Yokie) VanVallis; dogs, Momo and Darla; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Peter VanVallis and parents.