Gary Lee Waddell

Life for Gary was always an adventure. Born on February 24, 1950, in Anniston, Alabama, Gary spent his childhood exploring the woods of the Cheaha Mountains. As an adult, the focus of his life became the hearts of people. He spent years investing in the lives of children and adults through his work with the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys Ranches, serving as a youth pastor and lead pastor in local churches, and ultimately, while earning his Master of Education, through his role as headmaster and teacher at Providence Christian School in Dothan, Alabama. Gary’s greatest and final adventure began July 30, 2025, when his Savior embraced him and took him home.

For the past 32 years, Gary’s heart and service have been with Providence Christian School, where his influence was significant. From the early days of serving on the Camp Meadowood Board and praying about the vision for the property and the school, to the brick-and-mortar buildings seen today, one of Gary’s most fulfilling experiences was being a part of this journey. He faithfully served the Lord by teaching and mentoring hundreds of students, finding passion and joy in guiding students into a close, personal relationship with Jesus and preparing them to become world changers wherever their adventures might take them.

Gary’s greatest treasure on this earth was his family. He cherished life with his loving wife of 56 years, Sissy, their sons and daughters-in-law, Jason & Meredith, Josh & Emily, and Joseph & Danielle, as well as their grandchildren, Cole & Alyssa (Braelynn), Anna Daire, Sydney, Ansley Kate, Janie, Jameson, Luke, and Landon. Gary faithfully led his family by setting an example of how to live as a Godly man, husband, father, and friend. He loved to take Sissy anywhere she wanted to go, as long as they were together: Pine Mountain and Callaway Gardens, countless bed and breakfasts and antique shops, the Blue Ridge Mountains, concerts, beach trips, or just “down the road” for Sunday lunch. With his kids and grandkids, Gary instilled a love of God, family, fishing, hunting, baseball, Auburn, and serving others as the hands and feet of Jesus. He wholeheartedly believed in making memories and sharing what he loved most with his family, including stories of his life and adventures, curiosity about the world and people, his in-depth knowledge and study of God and His Word, and his favorite annual trip to Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights with his grandchildren.

Gary’s legacy of unwavering faith, love, wisdom, and service will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and students. He lived and loved with intentionality and passion, and his influence on the lives he touched is immeasurable.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Jason Kirk and Jason Waddell officiating. The family will receive friends from 12-3pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Gary Waddell Memorial Fund at Friend Bank, 3105 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL, 36303.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com