Furman Gary Ellenburg

Furman Gary Ellenburg, 79, of Liberty, South Carolina, passed peacefully from this life on March 10, 2026, at his home — the place he loved most — surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. A man of deep faith and quiet strength.

Gary was born on December 11, 1946, in Pickens County, South Carolina, to the late James Furman Ellenburg and Alberta Crowe Ellenburg. He grew up in the rolling foothills of the Upstate, where his roots ran deep and his character was shaped by hard work, community, and family. He attended Pickens High School and went on to further his education at Clemson University — a source of lifelong pride — before answering the call of duty.

Gary served his country with distinction as a member of the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967–1968, where he performed his duty as a munitions surveyor — a role that demanded precision, courage, and calm under pressure. Gary carried the experiences of his service with quiet dignity for the rest of his life and remained proud to be a Vietnam Veteran until his final days.

Following his honorable discharge in 1969, Gary returned home and turned toward the greatest adventure of his life — marrying his sweetheart, Nancy Masters Ellenburg. What followed was a partnership of 56 years built on love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Gary began his civilian career as a draftsman engineer with Grinnell Sprinkler Company, where his technical talent flourished. In time, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch into the drywall and building contracting business, which he operated with pride and craftsmanship until his retirement in 2015.

But retirement was never really in Gary's vocabulary. What began as a humble hobby in 2013 — tending a few beehives with the same patient attention he gave everything — soon blossomed into a true calling. Those who knew him knew him as "the Honey Man,". Gary's honey was an expression of his care for the people around him. His award-winning honey graced the tables of family, friends, and church members alike, and found its way onto the shelves of boutique stores across the region. Every jar was a little piece of Gary — sweet, carefully made, and given freely. He also enjoyed working alongside his brother Roger on the family farm — tending the cattle, stocking hay, and maintaining the pasture fences.

Gary had a rare gift for storytelling. Whether recounting his childhood of early farming, the adventures of his teenage years, or the travels of a life well-lived, he had a way of drawing people in and making every listener feel like they were right there beside him. His family will hold these stories close and carry them forward as one of his most precious gifts — a living memory that laughter and words can keep alive long after a man has gone.

Gary and Nancy were true adventurers at heart. In earlier years, they piled the family into the motorhome and explored the breadth and history of this great country, making memories at roadside diners, scenic overlooks, and National Parks — of which Gary made it his mission to visit as many as possible. In later years, he and Nancy broadened their horizons even further, traveling the world alongside dear friends to destinations including Israel, Egypt, France, Germany, England, Switzerland, and Greece. Gary approached every new place with the wonder of a man who knew that the world was wide and time was precious.

Faith was the compass by which Gary lived. A devoted church member, he has served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Youth Ministry supporter. Among his most cherished duties was serving as a Security volunteer and participating in the Fourth of July celebrations at Rock Springs Baptist Church — a role that let him honor both his faith and his country in one joyful act. In all things, his service was quiet, consistent, and given without expectation of recognition.

Though Gary held many honorable titles — Veteran, builder/contractor, beekeeper — none meant more to him than Daddy and Papa. He gave his whole heart to Nancy, to his children, and to his grandchildren. He was the kind of father and grandfather who showed up not out of obligation, but out of pure love — at every game, every milestone and even the small moments. He was a protector, a provider, and an ever-steady presence — a man who led by example and loved without condition. Gary Ellenburg was, in every sense, the foundation his family was built upon.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James and Alberta Ellenburg. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Nancy Ellenburg; his daughter, Kim Rogers, and her husband, Bart; his son, Chris Ellenburg; five treasured grandchildren, Madison, Chloe, Cole, Riley, and Tara Ann; and his brother, Roger Ellenburg, and his wife, Cynthia, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the countless lives he touched through his service, his honey, his stories, and his faith.

The family will present a memorial video between 10:15 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, immediately followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in Gary's honor to Rock Springs Baptist Church — a congregation he served faithfully for many years.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and thanks for the care Gary received from his in-home sitters, Providence Care Hospice and support of family and friends.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.