Former Chattooga County Sheriff and GEMA Director, Mr. Gary Wallace McConnell passed away on July 10, 2023 at the age of 78.
Gary McConnell has passed away
Mr. Gary Wallace McConnell, age 78, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023, at a hospital in Rome, Georgia. He was a lifelong resident of Chattooga County. Gary’s parents were the late John Frank McConnell and Marguerite Rea McConnell.
He began his law enforcement career alongside his father, who served as Chattooga County Sheriff. Tragically, when Gary was just 21 years old and attending Mississippi State University, his father passed away while serving as sheriff. Gary stepped in and took over the role of sheriff, becoming the youngest sheriff in Georgia history.
Gary devoted 20 years to serving as Chattooga County Sheriff. In 1991, he was named head of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and also served as head of the Georgia Olympic Law Enforcement Command.
After retirement, he ventured into private emergency management. He has used his expertise to help other states improve their emergency management agencies and deal with a variety of emergencies.
What happened to Gary McConnell?
Gary McConnell, who previously was the Chattooga County Sheriff and served as director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), died Monday, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Gary McConnell has devoted a significant portion of his career to law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also Chattooga County Sheriff. Tragically, when Gary was only 21 years old and studying at Mississippi State University, his father passed away while serving as sheriff. In a remarkable display of determination and leadership, Gary took over his father’s role and became the youngest sheriff in Georgia history.
Gary McConnell’s passing is a loss felt by the entire community, as he left behind a legacy of dedication, service and leadership in law enforcement and emergency management. His contributions made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of the people he served, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew and worked with him.
How did Gary McConnell die?
The cause has been revealed, Gary McConnell, former Chattooga County Sheriff and director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), died Monday at the age of 78.
During his tenure as Sheriff, Gary McConnell oversaw a team of 50 deputies and civilian workers, ensuring the safety and security of Chattooga County. His leadership and dedication were evident as he efficiently managed the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
Gary McConnell faced significant challenges in his role as director of GEMA and successfully responded to them. He demonstrated exceptional leadership during three major incidents: the 1993 snowstorm, the 1994 South Georgia floods, and the 1996 Olympic Park bombing. These events required a coordinated emergency management effort, and Gary McConnell rose to the occasion, effectively directing operations. response and recovery.
Gary McConnell died at 78
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Gary McConnell, former Chattooga County Sheriff and Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), who passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on a dark Monday.
In the wake of this sad news, we reflect on Gary McConnell’s profound impact as a leader and guardian of the community. With his unwavering commitment and tireless devotion, he took responsibility for preserving the lives and well-being of the residents he served.
During his illustrious career, Gary McConnell faced many trials and tribulations, navigating the intricate web of law enforcement and emergency management. As director of GEMA, he carried the weight of overseeing key operations, seeking to protect Georgia from the clutches of disaster. However, fate will impose three significant events on him that will leave deep scars in the collective memory.
The snowstorm of 1993, the flood of South Georgia in 1994 and the devastating bombing of the Olympic Park in 1996 – these indelible moments put Gary McConnell’s mettle to the test. In the midst of chaos and despair, he stood tall, leading the response effort with a determined spirit. His leadership provided comfort to the bereaved and a beacon of hope to the distressed community.
But today, as we say goodbye to this extraordinary individual, we cannot help but be surrounded by a melancholy atmosphere. Gary McConnell’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void, a palpable absence that will be deeply felt by those who knew him. The loss of his wisdom, strength and unwavering commitment is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
In this time of bereavement, let us take comfort in Gary McConnell’s lasting legacy. His selfless service, his unwavering dedication, and his profound impact on the lives he touched will forever echo down the halls of our memories. May his soul find eternal peace and may his spirit continue to inspire and guide us through the darkest days.
Gary McConnell Obituary
In loving memory, we say goodbye to Mr. Gary McConnell, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who passed away peacefully at the age of 78. His passing leaves a void that will be felt by his beloved wife, Lyndell Diane McConnell, his daughter Rebecca Rea and her companion Fox Carrasquillo, and his beloved grandson, Levi Cobb.
Funeral services to honor and remember the extraordinary life of Gary McConnell will be held on Thursday, July 13, at 3:00 p.m. A solemn gathering will be held in the JD Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, where friends, family and community will come together to pay their last respects. The Rev. J. Wesley Privett and the Rev. Mike Cavin will officiate, leading those in attendance through a time of reflection and remembrance.
Following the service, Gary McConnell will be laid to rest in the peaceful grounds of Macedonian Cemetery, a final resting place where his presence will be etched forever into hallowed ground.
Throughout his life, Gary McConnell touched the lives of many through his service and dedication. In recognition of his selfless contribution, members of the Teloga Fire Department will serve as active pallbearers, paying tribute to their valued colleague and friend. In addition, Gary Blackwell, Patrick Wesson, Steve Baker, Butch Camp, Jeremy Elrod, Ken Anderson, Jerry Davenport and all public safety personnel will stand as honorary pallbearers, honoring his dedication to public safety.
As we gather to say goodbye to Gary McConnell, let’s remember the impact he made and the memories he leaves behind. His legacy of love, loyalty and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family and friends take comfort in the precious moments they shared with him.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education