Gary Blaine Cessna

Gary Blaine Cessna, 78, went to his heavenly home on February 16, 2018 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His firm belief in God and strong devotion to his family supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Gary was born to the late James Blaine and Vera Pearl Grubb Cessna in Roaring Spring, PA on September 28, 1939. His parents exemplified Christ and Gary became an avid disciple at a young age. He prioritized his time reading scripture and witnessing to his community as well as many others he encountered. He was a lifelong deacon. He was also a committed church member and active choir member of East Sylva Baptist Church since 1998 in Sylva, NC. Gary had many talents and abilities, which he used to successfully own and operate Cessna’s Paint and Body shop. He also was a partner with Electro Services, Inc. and served as a Corporal with the Bradenton Police Department where he acquired his nickname “Critter”. In addition to his many professions, he enjoyed spending his time outdoors. He could always be found doing yard work. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, water skiing, boating, hunting and fishing.
Gary was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend and fellow churchgoer, Norma Jean (Jeanie) Little Cessna, on July 6, 1958 in Yellow Creek, PA. They moved to Florida in 1960 and lived there until 1998. Gary was a loving father to his three daughters and raised them with patience and discipline. He taught them about God, hard work, and the small joys in life. He and Jeanie often took them on long family trips to see the natural beauty of every state across the country. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to choose Jesus. He was kind, selfless, and soft-spoken, and always had time to help someone out, fix a problem, no matter how big or small, and eat a bowl of ice cream. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jeanie; his daughters Radawn Elmore (Tim), Sheila Crawford (Jimmy), and Jodi Gaestel (Bill); and his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His parents, and his sister, Minnie Lou Tracy, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life service for Gary will be held at the Bailey Manor Chapel in Clinton, SC on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:00am. Reverend Grover Timms will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideon’s International at www2.gideons.org or the Alzheimer’s Foundation at www.alzfdn.org .