Bill Gary

William Royce Gary, Jr passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Wednesday morning Dec 7. As a young boy, Bill was a fanatic football fan and a force to be reckoned with on the field as middle linebacker. Bill was paralyzed in 1979 at the age of 16 in a high school football game, Huntington vs West Monroe. Everyone who was at the game can still vividly remember that fateful night; the sound of the helmets crashing together; the pop like a gunshot. This was a devastating injury that could crush the spirit of any active young person, but Bill took it as a challenge he could overcome. He attended LSU in Shreveport and the Computer Rehabilitation Program at LSU in Baton Rouge. This wonderful program gave him the skills to work as a computer programmer for almost 32 years, allowing him to fully support himself and live independently. Although he had been paralyzed at a young age, he was never down in spirits. He accomplished much more in his life than many others much more fortunate. He persevered through setbacks with his indomitable will and great attitude. He loved meeting people everywhere he went, was an incorrigible flirt, enjoyed his job and co-workers, continued his deep love of football (Go Redskins!) and even took up the noble sport of poker! He deeply touched everyone he knew and will be missed by all. He was a loving son, brother and uncle, a loyal friend, and an inspiration to everyone he met. The world lost a great soul in Bill. After 37 years, Bill was freed from his captivity and can now run through the gates of heaven. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Wanda Gary. He is survived by his sister Diana Strebel, brother-in-law Allen Strebel, nieces Cody and Kelsey Wilkins, girlfriend Kim Cappuccio, aunts, uncles and cousins, and hundreds of friends. The family wishes to give special thanks to Bill's caregiver, Leona Birdsong for her years of love and care of Bill. A memorial will be held for Bill at a later date. All will be encouraged to come and celebrate Bill's life. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to be made in Bill's name to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: https://www.christopherreeve.org/donate/tribute-giving