Gary Reese Ishley, born August 5th, 1948, passed away peacefully April 7th, 2023 at 74 years old.
Gary was a wonderful husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He had 6 stepchildren and considered their children his grandchildren. Although he battled health problems for many years, our papa bear always had a smile, hug, huge laugh, and an endless arsenal of jokes.
We think of him now as being pain free, surrounded by loved ones, doing all the things he wanted to do in life but could not.
Gary was a talented carpenter and was most proud of his beautiful home that he built with his own hands. His home is a museum of items that read a story of his life. He was an avid motorcycle rider; he traveled the country and imprinted on many people’s lives.
Gary was an 11th Armored Calvary Veteran of Vietnam serving from August 1968 to August of 1969 and a life member of the 11th Armored Calvary Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Gary’s friend Ed Trosper, who was Gary's first task commander in Vietnam, added that “Being a friend to him was a real pleasure!” He called it brotherly love. Thank you, Ed!
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Reese, father, Gabriel Ishley, and brother-in-law, Bud Smith. Survived by his wife and best friend, Deborah, his loving sister Sharon Smith and her daughters.
He will be forever missed. Please do not send flowers. We are planning a celebration of life and we will inform family and friends privately.
Just got the obituary for Gary today from my brother Ed Trosper everything was right about Gary that was said Gary and I were on the same APC in Vietnam from January 69 till he left in August 69 when he and another brother Jackie Lawson left I didn’t think I would ever see them again I still had 4months left in the Hell Hole to go but in 1995 igot in touch with him ever since we stayed in touch with each other Gary was one heck of a friend I am really going to miss his phone calls and our get together at our reunions I just want to say I love you ❤️ brother and I’ll see you in Fiddler’s Green and to Gary’s wife and sister Sharon and the rest of the family I send my love and condolences ALLONS
There simply aren't words...I remember the day Gary moved in. He became an instant friend to our Mom and Dad and the rest of us - my brothers Brad and Randy and sister Susan. He was and will always be "family". Most major life events we shared with one another over the hedge which eventually turned into the chain link fence between our homes. My heart aches for Sharon and the girls. He will be deeply and forever missed. I know Mom and Dad were there to greet him with open arms and smiles that stretched from cheek to cheek. Until we meet again....rest easy. Your work here is done. Love you always....Cheryl
