Gary joined the Army after graduating. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He was deployed to Iraq with the Screaming Eagles in 1990. Upon his return Gary was re-stationed so our family moved to Crailsheim, Germany. After 11 years active duty Gary exited active duty military in 1993, returned to Auburndale, and became a detention deputy with the Polk Co Sheriff's Dept, as well as maintaining his rank of Sargent with the Army National Guard.

On April 9, 1995, just 5 days after his 29th birthday, Gary passed away. He was truely a remarkable man who loved his God, his family, and his country.

He is survived by daughter Amber Nicole Crothers and her mother Austine Gipson (formally Crothers)