Gary Warren Webster

Gary Warren Webster, a long-time resident of Atlanta, GA, passed away on July 7, 2021 in Forest City, NC from cancer.  The youngest of seven siblings born to Alfleda Bowles Webster and Clarence Edward Webster, he was born and grew up in the same house in North Platte, Nebraska, a major railroad switching station for the cross-country Union Pacific. Every male in Gary’s family, including his father, five brothers and brother-in-law, served in the military.  His mother and sister did their part by volunteering at the North Platte Canteen, a brief stopover for many of the young men and women traveling to and from war zones during WW11.  His father died when he was eleven, and from then on he and his mother looked after each other, since he was the last child living at home. Like many boys from Nebraska, Gary’s first job was de-tasseling corn. He also had a paper route.   In high school, he was active in academic and sports clubs, and dreamed of someday flying a plane for the US Air Force. Since age nine, he planned to attend a military academy, and eventually followed his older brother to West Point. While there, he sang in the Chapel Choir and Glee Club, giving him an opportunity to travel and perform, including the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como television shows; also marching in the inaugural parade of President John F. Kennedy. After graduation in June 1961, he attended pilot training in Enid, OK, and was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a C-124 pilot, flying world-wide missions out of Savannah, GA. 

In 1964 he married Martha Jocelyn Johnson of Hartwell, GA and later moved to Atlanta where he attended Georgia Tech.  Following graduation, he worked for IBM in marketing and later became a Certified Financial Planner, establishing his own company with clients nationwide.  He has served on numerous non-profit boards of directors; most prominent role was chairing the National Board of Certified Financial Planners of America in Denver.  He has been in demand for numerous public speaking roles, including seminar presentations, a newspaper contributor and a weekly television show on financial planning.

A man of many interests and talents, Gary lived his life passionately.   He loved to paint everything from planes, trains and automobiles to animals, birds and architectural renderings. He was an avid reader of aviation history, and sought out military museum around the world.  Until recently, he still ran three days per week, and loved to dance. 

He was a member of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club for over 40 years, an active member of the Gwinnett Arts Association and an elder at Buford Presbyterian Church.  His wife of 30 years, Jo, preceded him in death in 1994. 

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Grace Dotson Webster; his  daughters, Kathryn Elder of Covington, GA and Karen (Mark) Harris of Greenville, SC; his brother, Phillip (Phyllis) Webster of North Platte, NE; three step-children, Michael Warren of Dallas, NC, Amy (Tony) Helton of Forest City, NC and Anneli (Jimmie) Kirby of Richmond, VA.; grandchildren,  Jocey Elder, William Elder, Kaylee Elder, Eliza Harris, Braxton Harris and Henry Harris;  step-grandchildren, Rachel Mundorf, Ben Harris, Victoria Wantuch, Anthony Helton, Avery Grace Kirby, Steven Warren and William Warren.  and a large extended family who lovingly called him Pop-Pop. 

A celebration of life service will be held at Buford Presbyterian Church in  Sugar Hill, Georgia on Saturday, July 24 at 2pm with Retired Reverend Dr. John Roark officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Buford Presbyterian Church, 1242 Buford Highway, NE, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518 or your favorite charity.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.