The Rev. Sammie Lee Gary had entered the Heavenly Kingdom of God on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from Prisma Health Richland in Columbia, South Carolina. Rev. Gary was the husband of the late Martha Ann Capers Gary. He was born in Sumter, SC to the late James W. Gary Sr. and Thomasina Geddis Gary.

Early in life Rev. Gary attended the Winn School. He was also a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1961. Rev. Gary also received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Studies. He also played football as a student.

At an early age, he was a member of St. Luke AME Church. He was a devoted member of the various ministries throughout the church as follows: Steward Board, Pastor's Aide/Pulpit Board, Son's of Allen, President of the St. Luke Inspirational Choir, and Building Committee (Leading in planning & repairing the damage of the Church after Hurricane Hugo in 1989). During this time, he answered the call from God to serve as Minister. In addition, he would receive hus training under the guidance former pastor The late Rev. C.C. Burgess, while receiving his training at the Morris College School of Religion throughout the late 1980s & the early 1990s. He also served in the Army during the Vietnam War, ; in which, he also played semi professional football as a tackle with the Army.

Over next the 20 years of his ministry, Rev. Gary would serve as the pastor of churches at Friendship & Tabernacle AME Church Circuit (Gresham, SC), New Bethel AME Church (Bishopville, SC), St. Matthews AME Church (Lynchburg, SC) and St. John AME Church (Bishopville, SC). On August 20, 2017, the members of St. Matthew AME Church dedicated the Rev. Sammie L. Gary Fellowship Hall in honor of his leadership. The service was a wonderful occasion in which his son Sherrod accepted the honor on his behalf. Rev. Gary was able to motivate and inspire the people on how to get the fellowship hall built. His wish was that this would be a blessing to the Lynchburg Community. Rev. Gary has also served as mentor for many other young ministers answering the call to serve Christ.

In his early years, Rev. Gary also served as a UPS Driver in New Jersey in the 1970s. During this time, Rev. Gary also received training in Barbering School and Communication Media School. When he returned home, he served as a Residence Hall Director at Morris College. Additionally, he was a radio DJ serving areas down in Kingstree and St. George, SC. He was known as "DJ Garry The Soul Ambassador". Rev. Gary has served as an educator for the 25 years in the former Sumter School District Two. He served as a History Teacher at Mayewood High School, then served the rest of his tenure at Manchester Middle School (Pinewood, SC) and Furman Middle School (Sumter, SC). Rev. Gary also served as the Head Coach where he led the Manchester Panthers and Furman Indians to many winning seasons. In addition, he served as a soccer coach for both Mayewood and Hillcrest High Schools. More Importantly, Rev. Gary has always provided his students with love, encouragement, wisdom, motivational quotes and many great life lessons. Students favorite quote from him "Work While You Work. Play While You Play. This Is The Way To Be Happy Each & Everyday".

Rev. Gary was married to the late Martha Ann Capers Gary and to this union was born a son Sherrod Lee Gary of Columbia, South Carolina. He also has a daughter Dr. Gloria Lee Ross Roberston of Forestville, MD. He also has a special niece and nephew Brenda P. Boykin and Charles J. Boykin of Columbia, SC. Rev. Gary also leaves to cherish his memories a sister, Elizabeth Gary Butler of Sumter, SC and two brothers; Leroy (Gladys) Gary of Sumter, SC and James (Brendolyn) W. Gary Jr. of Sumter, SC. Additionally, he leaves behind his in-laws; Harry (Shirley) Capers of Bronx, NY, William B. Lawrence of Bronx, NY, James (Helen) Capers of Jacksonville, FL, Wayne (Margaret) Capers of Sumter, SC and Grace Wright of Florida along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Public viewing will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 South Salem Avenue, Sumter, SC 29150.

Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at: jobsmortuaryinc@gmail.com or visit us on the web at: www.jobsmortuary.net.