Gary McWilliams
Posted By Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care On August 7, 2021 @ 5:36 pm In Obituaries | 16 Comments
Gary Renared McWilliams was born on April 12, 1961 in Forest City, Arkansas at Forest City Memorial Hospital to Ernestine Lindley, who so after, wed Claude McWilliams. The couple soon relocated to Memphis, Tennessee adding to their family, a sister, Claudette Michelle and brother, Claudis Vincent.
At a very early age, Gary knew who the Creator was because he attended church with his grandmother, Marklena Lindley. Gary was baptized and received the Gift of the Holy Spirit at the age of 12. He knew the Lord.
The family relocated to Chicago, Illinois and at 6 years old Gary attended James R. Doolittle Elementary School later graduating from Fernwood Elementary. His mom remarried Mr. James McFadden, who Gary ultimately honored. While in middle school, Gary was very outgoing and his love for music compelled him to play guitar.
Gary was a real go-getter very early in life as a paperboy and encouraged that value in his younger brother, Vincent, by getting him hired on later. He attended Chicago Vocational High School and during his junior year he worked nights at Graces’ Restaurant, miles away from home, busting suds, delivery, etc., without it affecting his grades. After saving enough money to help buy his 1st vehicle, he was hooked on the rewards of his labor. He was a machine shop major and immediately began working after school part time as a machine shop mechanic during his senior year of high school. Upon graduating from CVS, he immediately began working full-time as a machine mechanic, renting his 1st apartment and living on his own.
In addition to his career as a machine operator, he worked multiple other positions including intermodal supervisor and most recently a cross country RV courier all while battling cancer since first diagnosed in 2015.
Gary introduced himself to his future wife by telling her he was a “Good Man”. She didn’t know why but agreed to a first date. On August 12, 1995, Gary married Braulia Josefina Keane. They will be completing 26 years of marriage on August 12 this year. They were a good match. Each keeping up with the other’s fierce streak of independence. With Braulia, Gary found a home, children, grandchildren and partner. Gary had much that he wanted to accomplish and wasted no time pursuing everything. He wanted to get a DL license and drive a semi-truck, check. He purchased a Harley, check. He wanted to learn to play the saxophone, check. He got his dream job driving across the country in luxury RVs, check. He beat cancer, twice, check. God always had something for Gary to do and he accepted every challenge and was ready to face the next. He didn’t realize that not only did he think he was Good Man, but so did everyone else.
Gary passed into the next world with prayers, tears of love, funny jokes, much respect and Sade music in the background.
All funeral services will be be private.
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16 Comments To "Gary McWilliams"
#1 Comment By Christine Dyer On August 10, 2021 @ 8:42 am
And God shall wipes all our tears, from our eyes. Sending words of Comfort and Prayers to your family at this difficult time you’re facing. The Lord continue to bless you. Love Christine Dyer.
#2 Comment By Leron Brookins On August 10, 2021 @ 10:18 am
Sorry for your loss sending my Condolences
#3 Comment By Oz (Wiz) Lindley On August 11, 2021 @ 4:28 pm
To my Big Cuz, G Money,: Your room-filling smile, big warm heart and magnetizing personality will be truly missed. We lost a loving relative and a great, trustworthy friend! However, God has gained yet another worthy angel. Too many fond childhood, teenage and adult memories to share but they are all cherished. Thanks for always staying close and connected. Love, your little Cuz, Wiz!
#4 Comment By Oz Wiz Lindley On August 11, 2021 @ 4:31 pm
To my Big Cuz, G Money,: Your room-filling smile, big warm heart and magnetizing personality will be truly missed. We lost a loving relative and a great, trustworthy friend! However, God has gained yet another worthy angel. Too many fond childhood, teenage and adult memories to share but they are all cherished. Thanks for always staying close and connected. Love, your little Cuz, Wiz!
#5 Comment By Nathan Girard Dyer On August 11, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
My man Gary, the brother of my Sister in Love Michelle Dyer… I met him only a couple of times but he always greeted me with that big smile, a firm soul brother’s hand shake and a big hug… ” What’s going on Nate” he’d say. Life, time and years pass but learning on his passing hurt like I saw him yesterday.. My memory of him will always be that smile, hug and “What’s going on Nate”… He was my Sisters in love’s brother but he also was my friend… My heartfelt condolences to the entire Mc Williams, McFadden and Dyer families on his return to be with the Lord…
#6 Comment By Stephanie Monique Holmes-Williams On August 11, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
So sorry for your loss. I will be praying continually for you and your family.
May the Peace of GOD be with you ALL. 🙏
#7 Comment By Anthony Glover On August 11, 2021 @ 8:00 pm
We met each other when were in 5th grade. We couldn’t stand each other from day 1. We threw rocks across the alley trying to knock the other’s head off. We got tired of rocks and we fought each other like pit bulls. Only you and I know how we ended up together as life long brothers. We’ve been a big part of each other for 50 plus years. You’re still alive in my life and Spirit. FOREVER!! Eternally grateful for fighting with you. Eternal LOVE for being in my LIFE!! I LOVE YOU BRO….Rest Easy, We will see each other again Without any left hooks 😏 😇😇❤❤🙏🙏
#8 Comment By Ken Alberts and Family On August 11, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
So, sorry for ur loss.Prayer’s r being
said for ur family as Well as, for Gary.
Sincerely,
Ken Alberts Family
#9 Comment By Larry Hoover On August 11, 2021 @ 11:04 pm
Sorry for lost my brother
#10 Comment By Sheila Keane On August 12, 2021 @ 7:38 am
Sympathy and God Blessing and love to Gary presents in our lives and in Braulia McWilliams life and family, I am Sheila Keane, Sister in law and Aunt to their beautiful family who loved Gary very much…Step Father. And Grandfather. Symathy to Gary’s Mother, Brother, Sister and family and Dear friends. Love to all. ❤
#11 Comment By Arturo Enriquez On August 12, 2021 @ 9:16 am
Gary loved Chicago sports!!! He got to see all Chicago sports teams win championships. He loved the the Bulls Bears and White Sox. He was a great guy to watch sports around. My great memories of him. He will be missed.
#12 Comment By Mildred And Angela On August 12, 2021 @ 1:52 pm
Mildred and I have known you all since I was a toddler in Ida B. Wells and have considered the McWilliams as our extended family. We send our love and prayers to you all. May God lift you in this difficult time.
Love you all!
#13 Comment By Alicia Scott (Lindley) On August 12, 2021 @ 4:35 pm
I have many fond memories of cousin Gary, like his grand entrance into the room with a huge smile, accompanied by heartfelt laughter. My first memory of cousin Gary was when he came to Flint, shortly after Reese and I were married, and surprised us with fresh lobster tails. He was so excited to see Reese, they fired up the grill immediately and grilled those lobster tails!! I have been spoiled every since, that’s the only way to eat lobster!! Cousin Gary and Ms. Josie always rolled out the red carpet when we would visit them, and was comfortable and at home when they would visit us. Many, many fond memories of a wonderful man, that always brought so much laughter, and positivity. Your physical presence will be missed. Hope to see you soon!!
Family, please remain encouraged, The Most High has everything worked out. Remain faithful and diligent!! May The Most High and Messiah bless you and keep you thru these difficult times!! Much Love Always🤎
#14 Comment By Daryl Duff On August 12, 2021 @ 11:13 pm
Gary, Gary, Gary, I will miss you, Cuz.
I remember those summers when I used visit y’all in Chicago. 10123 S. Union was the place to be. Right down the street from Fernwood Elementary school. We had great times going to the movies. Going to the “pump”. Just doing things kids do in the summer. I will miss your big smile hugs and how you would call me “Big Daryl Duff” You were my big cuz’n. My prayers are with our family. We will miss you.
#15 Comment By Chris Marynowski On August 13, 2021 @ 9:56 am
Josie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
#16 Comment By gregory mann On August 15, 2021 @ 8:05 am
Gary, I will miss you more then you will ever know . You are like a brother to me instead of a cousin. You have a beautiful soul, you listened, gave advice ,and understood things most people couldn’t understand when presented to you. God truly blessed you with a wonderful spirit. Thank you brother for being my friend ,cousin, as well a compassionate human being. Life has its many twist and turns you rolled with it while having a sense of humor about it. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. . Love ya cuz Greg