Gary Donovan Ealey, 76, of Grapevine Road, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019. Gary is the son of the late James Arthur and Ocie McKencie Ealey. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Hackworth (Payne). Gary was an Army veteran worked as an NC Agriculture Extension Agent in Madison County for over 30 years and served as the 4-H Club leader in Madison County. He was a member of Grapevine Baptist Church where he was baptized on September 14, 2008.

Gary is survived by his wife of 38 years, Myrtle Rochester Ealey; daughter, Tara Ealey Frederick (Bill); stepchildren, Tammy Sprouse Israel (Dan) and Joey Sprouse; sisters, Billie Frances Shaw, Ruth Ealey; and Grace Helton (Tim); brother, Phillip Ealey (Faye); grandchildren, Ryan Frederick (Naome), Bradley Frederick, Alicia Sprouse and Jake Israel; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 12pm Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Danny Jenkins and Kenneth Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Gosnell Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grapevine Baptist Church, c/o Phyllis Bradley, 11 Cargile Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753.

Gary loved his family, his community, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and eating. He was a great story-teller and had a passion for farming and loved working with the local farmers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.