Garland E Mccary Jr,

Garland Eugene McCary, Jr. was born August 21, 1945, in Akron, Ohio, to Garland and Lois McCary. He attended North High School before joining the United States Marine Corp. Garland was proud of his twenty-two-year career in the Marines, serving two terms in Vietnam. He was a Marine through and through. He retired as a Master Gunnery Sargeant in 1986. He went on to drive for Roadway trucking, where he eventually retired for a second time.

Garland had a special love for his mom, Lois, who preceded him death.  He never could get his salad dressing or Swiss steak to taste like hers, and would say, “man, I miss my mom”. He couldn’t wait to see her again. He loved his family, the military, his country, and Nascar. He took part in many trucking competitions and even traveled to Vegas for a competition. He was a proud man.

Garland enjoyed his time as a Shriner after his retirement, where he was the Potentate in 2013.  He loved to socialize and could tell a great story.  He often drove children to the Shriner hospital in Erie and would always take the family to lunch after their visit to the hospital. He loved to treat the children who were going through so much.

Garland is preceded in death by his spouse, Penny; parents, Garland Sr. and Lois; sisters, Gwen (John) Frank, Judy McCary, April Cheesewright; sons, Garland E. McCary III, and Casey E. McCary. He also lost his best friend of many years, Denny Darling, in 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Season “Pooh” McCary, daughter-in-law, Kathie (Travis) Patterson; grandchildren, Garland E. (Nicole) McCary IV, Devin Hardesty, Randall Roper, Dakota Lees, Bailee (Durell) Favor, Evan Monte; great grandchildren, Garland V, MacKenzie, Haiden, Audrianna Grace, Zacceri, and Devin. He also loved his nieces and nephews, John (Stacey), Robert, Mike (Renee), Stacy (Mike), Tom, Kristin (Brad), and great nieces and nephews.

You are gone but not forgotten.  Semper fi, Dad.

Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the Tadmor Shrine 3000 Krebs Dr. Akron, Ohio 44319. A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Garlands name can be made to either the Shriner's Hospital or DJs Paw Rescue (you can find them on Facebook).