Mr. John Charles "Chuck" McGarity Obituary

John Charles "Chuck" McGarity, 49, of Albany, died Friday, June 27, 2014 at Willson Hospice House, surrounded by loving family and caregivers following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 30, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Dr. William D. "Biff" Coker, Dr. Paul Luthman and Rev. Tim Olds will officiate. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Born March 2, 1965 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Chuck was a lifelong resident of Albany. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he served as an Usher. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and was an avid participant in the Special Olympics. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1987. His first job was at Washburn's Chevron Station followed by many years working for McDonald's. In 1988, Chuck began receiving residential services from Albany ARC and was so proud to be living independently in his own apartment. In 1996, Chuck was chosen as one of Albany's Local Heroes to carry the Olympic torch when it came through town. Chuck was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and for 30 years attended their Spring Training in Florida, serving as ballboy and Honorary Team Member. He counted as his special friends, Bobby Cox, Bobby Dews and many other players and coaches. Chuck also loved Georgia Tech, especially going to football games. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry (Hank) McGarity, Jr. and Kitty McCaa McGarity and his brother in law, George G. Riles. He is survived by his brother, Bob McGarity and his wife Jain of Warwick, GA, two sisters, Vicki McGarity Riles of Albany, GA, and Kay McGarity Heidt and her husband Tommy of Norcross, GA. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Eric Riles of Seattle, WA, Kathy McGarity Benton of Alpharetta, GA, Tori Riles Whiting and her husband Jay of Albany, GA, Sarah McGarity Bennett and her husband Russell of Athens, GA, Leigh Elliott Beck of Atlanta, GA, Andy Heidt and his fiancé Pam Darvirris of Seattle, WA, Caroline Heidt Baughman and her husband Tyler and 6 great nephews and 3 great nieces. He is also survived by his loving caregivers, Linda Merritt, Sara Brown, Anthony Green, Mary Johnson and Annie Brown, for whom the family will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Albany ARC,PO Box 71026, Albany, GA 31708-1026, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2126 W. Edgewater Drive, Albany, GA 31707 or Willson Hospice House, 720 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707.

Mr. John Charles "Chuck" McGarity Obituary

March 2, 1965 - June 27, 2014