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Obituary for Gary A. Wimberley
Gary A. Wimberley passed away peacefully on November 11, 2017 with his family surrounding him in prayer. Born to Eddie and Doris Wimberley in Church Point, Louisiana on July 12, 1926, he grew up on the family farm with his parents, grandparents, and eight younger brothers and sisters.
Gary attended school in Church Point, Louisiana and worked on the family farm with his father and grandfather. As a little boy he rode his pony along side his grandfather to check on the crops and workers in the fields. As a teenager he learned farming skills, including cropping, livestock care, maintenance and construction. In 1945 during the height of World War II he joined the Navy and after training as an Aircraft Mechanic, was based in the Hawaiian Islands and San Diego, California until his discharge when the war ended. During his military career he met Elizabeth “Liz” Bowlin and married her in 1947, after corresponding via letters for a year. After the war, he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Horticulture. Following graduation he and Liz began their life together in Church Point. They later moved to Monroe, Louisiana where Gary taught horticulture at the university. Five of Gary and Liz's children were born in Louisiana, two (twins) passed away at birth. The family eventually grew to ten children; five boys and five girls.
In 1954 he moved to Brookings, Oregon where he purchased a commercial greenhouse and started Brookside Nursery; growing and hybridizing hydrangeas and Easter lilies for stores throughout the United States. The nursery business was later sold and Gary started a successful family construction business, Brookside Construction and Landscaping. He built and was involved in several major construction and landscaping projects throughout southern Oregon and northern California. Gary’s children were given the opportunity to learn good work ethics by working alongside their father in the nursery and construction businesses. Gary and Liz (bookkeeper) ran the company until their retirement in 1988.
One of Gary’s greatest passions was his abundant garden. He loved sharing the strawberries, blueberries, garlic, cabbage, beans, lettuce and other crops with everyone and found solace in tending to his garden even after working long days. His love and understanding for gardening, plants, and horticulture added yet another layer to his overall wisdom.
Gary had many interests over his lifetime but what never wavered was his respect for a strong work ethic, dedication to family, his faith, respect for his fellow man, as well as the self-discipline in practicing the simplest and most fundamental acts of human kindness and gentle humility. His smiling face and genuine friendly self was a constant for everyone he met. His guiding daily principle was to serve God and his fellow man through devotion to the Catholic faith. He regularly was there to help the Church, a friend or family member in need. His love for his Church and religion showed in his role as a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council for the Star of the Sea Catholic Church and his efforts over the years to help maintain, build and support the Church in whatever manner he could. He was instrumental in purchasing the property for the current Star of the Sea Catholic Church and donated many hours of labor and equipment for construction of the Church.
Gary also was active in the community, serving on the Chetco Credit Union Board for 35 years in various positions and capacities. His efforts helped to build a strong local credit union and expand the institution through opening of branches in Gold Beach and Port Orford. Gary was also a member of the Brookings Chamber of Commerce in the early years and worked on many local initiatives. In the 1960s he worked with the Chamber to host the Japanese soldier that bombed the Chetco National Forest near Brookings, donated time and resources to plant the local Christmas tree in the 1970s, and volunteered many hours to the Azalea Festival providing shop space and equipment to build and transport floats for the annual parades.
His family meant the world to him. His children were his pride and joy and he loved them unconditionally. While busy running his construction company he and Liz, always found time to be at sporting events to watch the games or transport animals to 4-H activities. His time and involvement, including constant encouragement, was greatly appreciated by his children.
Gary is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Liz); sons Don Wimberley (wife Elissa), Ron Wimberley, and John Wimberley and daughters; Joan Seda, Karen Megorden (husband Randy), Robin Sanders (husband Kolin), and Susan Wimberley-Glazebrook (husband Marty); grandchildren Kent Wimberley (wife Brittany), Michelle Wimberley, Brandon Megorden, Kyle Sanders, Pat Shannon (wife Jennifer), Scott Sanders (wife Sarah), Jaime Sanders, and Lacey Megorden; and Great Grand Children, Zane Wimberley, Reagan Shannon, Nolan Sanders and step great grandchildren, Chloe James, Naomi James, and Ethan Seda. He was preceded in death by his parents (Eddie and Doris); twins; Gary and Mary, son Brian, and brothers Jimmy and Tommy; sister, Eloise; brother-in-law, Ivy; Grandson Brent; and daughter-in-law, Elissa.
A Rosary service will be held at 8:25 am on Thursday, November 16, 2017 prior to the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 9 am on November 16, 2017 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 820 Old County Rd. in Brookings. Interment will follow at WJ Ward Memorial Cemetery.
Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Gary’s memorial webpage at www.redwoodmemorial.net.
