Survived by his wife Nikki Baird of 50 years, son Brandon (wife Samantha) Baird, daughter Shannon (husband Bobby) Robinette and four grandchildren. Gary was the oldest of 7 children. He served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1967. After his discharge, he work for TWA at NASA from 1968 to 1970, during the Apollo missions. The rest of his work career was in heavy equipment land excavation. He loved his family, many friends, golf and the Florida Gators.