Pastor Gary left such a indelible mark 
on my life that he will forever be in my heart and a day doesn't go by that I don't recall a message he taught, that always helped me through life!
He wes my Shepherd,  my mentor in ministry and a precious father in the faith!  
He still is, to this very day!

I miss him so much! Changed my life. He continues to live  on in his music.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer, back in 1977. I believed in God, had been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, but had not been to church in a while. Had just gone through the worst marriage, he killed himself. I met a man soon after who was totally different. I wanted to do something to exercise my surgery arm because I had seen ladies who could barely raise their arms after they healed. I decided I wanted a Viola like I played in high school as it used the arm and fingers. I visited a music store where the owner told me a viola would cost  $300 or more. I didn't have that type of money.  He asked me why I wanted it. I explained to him that though I had been raised in a Baptist church that only had pianos and organs, I dreamed I went to a church that had an orchestra. The owner told me that "when" i got my viola he knew just where to go. He began explaining how to get to Christian Center, a fair distance from his shop. As he began giving me instructions, I realized this church was at the end of my street, about 4 blocks down.
I met and married a man about 6 weeks after we meet. He tried to give me everything I wanted. He found a student quality instrument in the newspaper ads and took me to buy it. I wasn't very good but I don't think that was God's purpose. I met the wonderful singer, pastor and teacher, Gary McSpadden at this church.
I had been taking chemo for4 or 5 months and I approached Gary. I asked him if I had faith in God, should I keep taking treatment. He looked me dead in the eyes and asked "do you believe God has healed you?" I hesitated. He then asked " Do you believe God gave this doctor the knowledge to heal you." I answered yes. He told me God would meet me where my faith was, to keep on with the treatments. 
I am now 71 years old and have never had a recurrence. When Gary left Christian Center, it broke my heart, but God needed to use that beautiful voice and soft heart to help many. Thank you, Gary. I learned so much of God's word from him

Dear Carol and family: 

So hard to believe that today is the third anniversary of the entrance into Heaven of such a Godly, powerful saint.  Thank you for your leadership and courage in past days, as you continued to encourage, and lead and advance the Kingdon, with the  passing of Gary., just as he so would have wanted, of course.

I had seen Gary in Gatlinburg once at a Christmas concert, but did not know him Yet his life and music continually encourages me as  I  listen to him sing today, and am so reminded and encouraged by his legacy.  The world and the Church are both such better places  now and forever, because Gary passed  by and changed both. Thanks!  Kay Sanders  

I know it's been a while since Gary went HOME!  I still miss him, Carol.  And I think of you, Cheryl, Helen and Boyd from our Lubbock days (and the mutual friends that we had.). I didn't get to attend their church much when we moved to Fort Worth; we were so far from where your folks pastored.  Our mutual friends, Jerri and Joe Stocks, who are also now in Heaven were friends of Helen and Boyd, and I kept up with Gary and Cheryl through them and sometime, Jerri and I would drive over to their church even in spite of the distance!
I think of all and each of you, and I'll miss Gary.  Sometime, I'll see Cheryl with Dino on Jim Baker's show.  Love and prayers to each of you and your precious children with my sincere sympathy.  Heaven gets sweeter all the time!  Ruth Kight-Korngable, Ft Worth, Tx

I just learned of Gary’s passing and journey to heave. I am very saddened. I’ve love his music since the ‘60s. I have a couple of sheet musics. I had an opportunity to meet him once after his performance at my church. Please accept my deepest condolences. How bless the family. 
Charlotte Buckles

Other than enjoying his teaching and fellowship at church, I'm missing playing golf with him.  He was a real human that loved to joke. 
Gary loved everybody. 

I recall so well a year ago on July  25th, which  will be Sunday this year,  instead of Saturday, as of last year, when the beautiful video  tribute  was given for Gary.  I am so very thankful  I was able to drive  down then  from Nashville, and  be present that day  for that beautiful service.  It does not seem possible that his  entrance ino Heaven has now been over a year! I have many of his sermons from FWC marked on my Favorites  facebook page, and listen to each of them often, still, as  I always will. It would be  wonderful to have many of his past sermons from FWC burned onto  CD's and placed   in many different albums,  and made available for  purchase.  Although  I  saw him a few times in person, I never had  the honor  of meeting him.  I listened  to  his singing  for many years,  and have lots  of his CD's and sermons now. Continued  love and  blessings to  the family,  in the  passing on to Heaven,   of an  irreplacable, Godly,  gentleman. 

Grief never ends, but it’s a passage, not a place to stay. I will always remember you when you were part of Gaithers vocal band. I am a die hard fan of this group. I pray for protection of all. I know you are resting in heaven and singing continuously.  

Doesn't seem like a year! I listen to his songs often...my sympathy goes out to you and family....may God strength you and give you guidance! A great baritone voice is singing in the heavens!

Gary, and his dad were pastors while I was stationed in Fort Worth and attended the Fort Worth Christian Center.  I will always remember them, and grieve their loss.  They are, however, heaven 's gain.

Gary sang at our word of life church in las vegas way back in the early 80s. His voice and the song he sang moved me to tears and convicted me of my sins. I gave my heart to Jesus that day. I was able to talk briefly with gary and thank him. When I looked in his eyes I was taken aback at the depth of his gaze. It was like he was searching my heart. I will forever be thankful for that fateful day when I met Mr. Gary McSpadden.

For the past four years while vacationing in Branson,  we've attended Faith & Wisdom Church  and enjoyed the song service and Pastor Gary's inspiring messages. 

Today, we attended  once again  on our annual visit to Branson, and were surprised that Gary was not there . Another pastor brought the message in his place. The message was good as was the song service, but we kept wondering about Gary.   I got on my lap top  just now and Googled his name and was shocked to  learn that Gary had moved on to heaven in April.  

To Garry McSpadden in heaven: Thank you for touching our lives. You were a kind gentle man and always greeted my husband and me with a smile when we came through the doors of Faith & Wisdom church.. You are missed and loved by many.

dear gary spadden
i know you are in heaven right now and we missed you so much .you are apart of the gaither vocal band from aaron parker

I just read on the computer that Gary is with the Lord...I was so looking forward to coming to Branson and hearing the best preacher I have ever heard and saw his death announcement . Carol, I know how your friends and family are a comfort at this time but you  have his spirit so near, too. You two were a joy to me and he will be greatly missed on this earth but we will be together at our heavenly home..and I will be able to sing better than you have ever heard me sing...I am so blessed to know you.  Gary was a  blessing to me with his faith and encouragement preaching..I am listening to his sermons over and over..I have married a christian man from my past and we live in Archie Mo.  yes , we look forward to returning to my home in Hawaii but this mess the media has blown out of sight is keeping us on his farm this winter..so much more want to share but I will close..You are SPECIAL. God loves us very much.......

I became a Christian in 1984 and quickly found CCM.  One of my favorite arist was the Gaither Trio and Vocal Band.  I was just converting my old records to digital and was flooded with memories of those great harmonies and immediatly began singing.  Gary's style and vocalization always made an impact with me and clearly has resonated through a lifetime.  I immedialy began to search for any current work and saw that we lost him recently and it broke my heart.  I am grateful for the recordings and thank you all for sharing him with the world.   My prayers and thoughts are with you all as you adjust to his loss in such a difficult time.  What a great talent and loss but I know he is singing in heaven.  

I had just become a Christian in 1979 and my mom took me to a concert with this then unknown to me group - The Gather Trio, promoting their new album We Are Persuaded.   Music has always been a strong influence on my life and this gave me hope that a Christian can perform current music without having to just sing old time hymns.  I heard this voice, this smooth tenor voice, it was Gary and I was hooked. Followed the Trio, NGVB, and solo albums..  The world has lost a treasure and I'm just finding out about it.  Heaven is richer and Jesus' smile is a little wider to have his son back home.  My mom went home last year at 77 and I know they're at his feet worshiping and singing at the top of their voices.   So sorry for your loss but so thankful for hope in God and the future in heaven.   Love and peace to you in Jesus' name. -Kenn

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing to his wife, Carol, and sister, Cheryl and the rest of his family.   I enjoyed his music so much back in the years when I first got to hear him among the first times I ever got to hear  the Gaither's in person and Gary was singing with them. May God be with each of you in a special way with His special love, comfort and peace.

Growing up with my Dad who sang Southern Gospel Music all of my life, I knew who Gary McSpadden was in the Gospel Music field.  It wasn’t until my husband and I visited Faith and Wisdom Church that I met Pastor Gary.  That night, my husband and I realized that God was leading us to be a part of this church. 

Since then, Pastor Gary and Pastor Carol, along with our new church family, become an integral part of our lives.  Pastor Gary was an awesome preacher and pastor.  He taught me so much and he always made us feel at home and like we truly belonged.  He became more than just a great pastor. I also considered him to be a good friend. I will miss him but I know he is in Heaven praising Jesus, as he sang and preached about for years.  Please pray  for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his sister and brother-in-law, and the rest of his family, as well as our church family and all of the others who loved him.  

I started enjoying Gary McSpadden’s music in 1963, never imagining that he would one day, 55 years later, become my pastor and my friend.  Aside from accompanying him on the piano for a song he was singing in 2007, I had no other contact with him until in 2018, when my wife and I moved to the Branson area and became a part of his church. But, in those 2 short years, God used him to change my life. Even though I have been in the ministry for more than 50 years, God has used Pastor Gary to teach me more than I had learned in the past 30 years or more.

He treated my wife and me with genuine care and love. I am amazed at how many times he visited me in the hospital and rehab center last year during my extended illness, traveling as much as 90 miles round trip to visit me. He was not only a great singer and musician, but he was also a great preacher and teacher and an excellent pastor with a loving shepherd’s heart for his flock. He was a real man of God.

My life has been forever impacted by his loving care for my wife and me, and we already miss him greatly. Our loss is heaven’s gain. We remain in prayer for God to comfort Pastor Carol, Shawn, Michelle, Cheryl, Dino, and the rest of his family, as well as the many who loved him.

In just two short years, Pastor Gary's  love of our Lord, his knowledge of the Word, his compassion, and sense of humor brought healing to my spirit, soul, and body that 40 previous years of  walking with Jesus hadn't yet accomplished. I am eternally thankful. I pray our precious Lord wrap His arms around Carol, Michelle, Shawn and their families, Dino & Cheryl and their family in Jesus name. 

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary.  We attended Christian Center in Ft Worth Tx. when Gary and his Dad were the pastors for several years in the 1960's.   It was a Great Church with Beautiful singing, music and Wonderful preaching of Gods Word. We so much enjoyed Garys beautiful voice.  May God Bless and Comfort you Carol and your family.    Soon & Very Soon we'll all be joining our Loved Ones. Phillip & Ernestine Turner

Dear Carol and family: It has been a blessing to have the Mcspadden’s as pastor and friends since 1967.  Gary will be missed but he’s now truly at home with God and family in heaven. Love all of you 

Dear Carol and family,
Please know that our love and  prayers are with you. Our hearts are broken, yet we know Pastor Gary is so happy to be with the Lord.  What an amazing man of faith! From his dynamic personality and his beautiful voice, to his amazing ability to lead the Church and demonstrate the love of Christ, he was truly one of a kind.  We feel so very blessed to have been able to have Gary as our Pastor and dear friend. We could never put into words just how much Pastor Gary has meant to our family. He was the real deal. We love that man!
Love,
Matt, Nichole & David Rankin

Pastor Gary and Carol have been a part of my life for several years.  I use to work for them and remember their kindness, thoughtfulness, but in particular their Love of God.  That was their passion, to make sure they spread the word of God’s goodness and how you could always depend on Him to get you through the most trying times as well as the good times.  Nothing was too big that God could not handle.   I cannot imagine visiting FWC and not seeing Pastor Gary at the pulpit.  My heart aches for his entire family, yet we all know he is happy to be in his Heavenly home watching over his family and his church.  God Bless Carol, Shawn, Michele, Cheryl and Dino as they continue to follow God’s leadership and receive comfort knowing Gary is watching over them. 🌹

Pastor Gary, THANKS FOR LETTING ME PLAY with THE BAND...I met you in Vegas at the Landmark Hilton in 1977 when your group was backing up ELVIS...You had a PROFOUND Influence on my life and drumming. Miss You
https://youtu.be/Yo72rmYFCUo?t=6



Love that man, he cared so much for others. He was always there to visit you at the hospital and pray over you. Prayer was important to him, one on one or in meetings for prayer. He believed in the power of prayer to God through Jesus. We miss him.

Dear Carol, Shawn, and Michelle... please receive our love and condolences. Gary holds a deep and important place in our lives for the kindness and coaching he brought to me 35 years ago as Ariose Music was starting and a mutual friend introduced us. Gary listened to some of my fledgling songs and signed me to the new company, despite my ignorance and inexperience in the music business. He literally opened the door to my entire music business career along with Bill Gaither, Lari Goss, and a small handful of others who poured themselves into me in that season. His love and legacy lives on in me as I encourage others in their music through Nashville Christian Songwriters and often mention his deep investment in me when I needed it most. Much love to you all. John

Carol, Ray and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember your many kindnesses to me when I worked for Bob Jennings at Four Star. We often attended concerts with Mary Lynch Jarvis and Joyce Hess, sharing so much laughter with you backstage and at suppers or stops to and from concerts. Holding you close to our hearts in prayer.

For some reason we have been so profoundly and deeply touched with Gary McSpadden's passing so quickly. My parents and Gary's were ministers and friends for many years, both having pastored in West Texas and the Dallas/Ft. Worth areas. My Dad also passed rather quickly with pancreatic cancer. My wife, Stella Kerley Bayless also lost a younger brother with cancer and was with him there at the cancer center in Tulsa.  So, Gary's passing really hits close to home. May Gary entertain the Angels and Christ around the Throne Room of the Father in Heaven!

 Praying for Pastor Carol, Shawn and Michelle, for Dino and Cheryl and all of your family✝️.  We were so blessed to have Pastor Gary as our Pastor of Faith and Wisdom Church.  He loved people, and loved teaching people from the Word of God. He was a great Bible teacher and he will be greatly missed. I believe that Pastor Gary is one of God's generals, and that God will be using him from heaven in these end times to accomplish His purposes on the earth. 


I send my sincere condolences to Carol and the family of Gary. He will surely be missed by all who knew him or anyone who heard his voice or observed his talent. God bless you Sheryl. You both were beautiful children. Very fond memories. I love you. God bless you. 

Pastor Gary was an amazing pastor and person. He’s prayed for me and encouraged me several times. I really looked up to him. My heart is so broken about his passing. I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to know him while he was still here. Many prayers for all of the family and for pastor Carol. 

Beverly and I were so shocked when we heard about Gary. we were not a patron of Facebook but we heard from others.  we are heart broken to hear about his passing. we were faithful  when we were members of christian center for years. carol, we are so sad to hear the news and are grieving with you. God bless you and may comfort you in this time of mourning. I pray every morning after my bible reading. I am adding you to my prayer list and hope god comforts you in Jesus holy name.  may He bless you and comfort you in this time of mourning.

So many memories I remember, church, family gathering, travel and don't forget those ski trips. Carol I'm praying for you to find comfort in knowing how much Gary loved you. And most of all  that soon we will all be home with Jesus, I truly believe Time is Short before we hear that Trumpet sound. Michelle, Shawn and grandkids, I Lov you'll. Cheryl  been a while but remember some great times our kids had together.  Praying and  thinking of you'll.

My Mama ( Mary Ann Hart Rush )was GOOD friends with Gary and his sister.
They went to church together in Lubbock, TX.
She was heart broke to here of his passing.
We send our prayers from South Carolina.

I first saw Gary in 1968 when he was with the Imperials and he sang "Keep on holding to those Nail Scarred Hands."   A long time ago but I remember that night and how blessed I was.  I had just graduated from college and knew I needed to choose the right path for my life.  Since then I have seen Gary on the Gaither Homecoming Series & no one can take "Because He Lives" home like Gary could.  A wonderful man &  singer who loved his family.  He will be missed.  

I had the privilege of meeting Rev.  McSpadden in person at FWC on December 1, 2019. I had been following his preaching & teaching for some time (I heard of him through Cheryl & Dino on Tuesdays). When I first stepped into FWC, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in an overwhelming sense even in the foyer.  When Pastor Gary stepped out from the sanctuary into the foyer before service, all I could do is weep - thus a picture of me weeping standing beside this spiritual giant! That service was & always will be a highlight in my life. I have watched FWC online for sometime, listening to services 3-4+ times over, until the next service. Rev. McSpadden preached old time religion, where God changes people & gives them hope! His teaching was like I heard in the days of my childhood-when the Holy Spirit fell on services in an overwhelming manner. How I am going to miss his preaching! I know without a doubt he is walking on streets of gold and is with Jesus this very minute.  He is experiencing every joy that he taught about here on earth.  When he preached that God told him this was the year of prosperity, little did anyone know - it was Pastor Gary's year of prosperity!  

Thank you to Pastor Carol for serving so many years beside your husband.  You are an inspiration to me!  Thank you to his children -- PKs that shared their daddy with so many individuals that needed a spiritual leader/shepherd.  Thank you Dino & Cheryl for introducing me to the most-wonderful Pastor -- even if I could only experience his ministry online, save the one service I was able to attend.  

Thank you Rev. McSpadden for following Jesus and shedding the light on so many -- especially this PK in Houston, Texas, whose path you crossed, albeit unbeknowst to you, you have grown me in the faith more than you'll ever know.  As the song says: "Thank you for giving to the Lord - I am a life that was changed!"


Wow, Pastor Gary was one of my great musical inspirations! I never met him personally yet he had such great impact on the way I view worship and approach music! The quality of his voice and the a Presence of the Lord— the greatest combination! Thank you McSpadden family for sharing him with us!

I have so many wonderful memories of Pastor Gary! I’m so thankful God led our family to his church in Ft. Worth, TX. when I was a little girl, back in the early ‘70’s. I gave my life to Jesus during that time, and I’m still serving Him today. I rejoice with Pastor Gary that he is enjoying his reward in the presence of Jesus, but also mourn with his family & church family. They are in my prayers daily! I am looking forward to that wonderful day, when we will all be reunited in our Heavenly home!  - Kathy Smart Baker

I have so many wonderful memories of Pastor Gary! He and his family have touched my life in so many ways! I am so thankful God led my family to his church in Ft. Worth, TX. when I was a little girl! I gave my life to Jesus during that time and I’m still serving Him today! I rejoice with Pastor Gary now being with Jesus, but I grieve with his family & church family at Faith & Wisdom church! You are all in my prayers daily! Looking forward to that day when we will all be reunited in our Heavenly home! - Kathy Smart Baker  

I picked up Gary for a solo concert in Sioux Falls SD back in the late 80s.  His first comment to me was of the burger smell in the vehicle, as I had just scarfed down a meal before picking him up.  I was also the sound tech at our church, and quickly volunteered since I had been a fan of his for a number of years.  Gary asked me about my work as a D.J. at the local christian radio station.   His opinion about compact disc - digital recordings was the conversation until we arrived to the church building.  To summarize Gary thought CDs sounded so brittle compared to vinyl records and wished we’d go back.  At that time, I had to agree. 
Gary had a commanding voice, which I loved as a lead vocalist.  He also knew how to be a group singer.  He did both extremely well.  Praying for you McSpadden family as you grieve.  Your dad and husband brought the Joy of Jesus to many, including me.  Praise the Lord!

We feel so blessed to have had Gary and Carol as our pastors for 14 years.  We will always remember the wonderful friendship and the kindness and caring of both.  Gary will always be our favorite singer and he will be greatly missed. Dean and LouAnn

I didn't know Gary personally but followed his music ministry from the time he began singing with the Bill Gaither Trio until the day he passed away.  I loved hearing him sing.  So sorry his life has ended but know he is in a better place.  Prayers and condolences to all the family members during this time of grief.  

I would go to Gary’s dad’s church in Haltom City Texas in the 60’s just to hear Gary sing. Over 50 years later, he still sings in my car. He changed my life and he will always be my favorite singer.  He will be missed by so many. Prayers for his family. ❤️

Linda and I have been greatly blessed to set under Gary's ministry.  He was not only a dynamic preacher but a real Shepherd to his flock. When I was dx with cancer in 2016 Gary called me and prayed for me and my family.  His pastoral care and support lifted me up through a very difficult time in my life.  We will miss him greatly.  

Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the entire Mc Spadden family during this time of great loss. 
Gary will be greatly missed by many, but especially in Branson.
I love you Pastor Gary! May the peace of God be with you as you view our beautiful Savior in heaven.
Carrie Anne Mitchell, 50
Writer, Media Marketing, Talk Show Host, Craft Business Owner
Hollister, Mo.


OBITUARY

Gary Michael McSpadden

26 January, 1943 – 15 April, 2020

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors

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