David "Ma" Graham Gary

David Graham Gary, age 72, departed this this life on February 17, 2022. He was born on April 19, 1949 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late William Graham Gary and Jimmy Louise Davenport Gary. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by His first partner of over 25 year’s, John Marshall Salyer,Jr, siblings, James Edward Gary and Robert “Bob” Earl Gary and niece, Dana Gary.

He is survived by his husband, Jamey Weaver of Nashville; sister’s, Rose (Al) Kruger of Dickson, TN and Carol (Jim) White of Nashville, TN; brother, Thomas Gary and friend of over twenty years “Opie “ Padgett and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

David attended Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville before later completing his GED. He had numerous jobs during his lifetime: a bus boy for CandyLand in downtown Nashville, a lineman for GENESCO, clerk for Worthen Bag Company, he worked in California in the early 1970’s for the RobinTech, Inc making Military and personal aircraft and also for Decca Records(now Universal).

In 1977 he began as a booking clerk for the Metro-Nashville Police Department, he moved to the Warrants Division in 1982, where he remained until his retirement in 2007, due to his health.

David was a pioneer within the Nashville LGBTQ community. He marched in the first ever gay pride parade in Nashville and Los Angles. He was a patron of Juanita’s and the Jungle during frequent raids during the 60s. He grew in a time that made it extremely difficult to be gay, yet persevered. When he was in his 40’s he performed for fundraising events as, “Sofanda Peters”.

David was grateful, to be a “A friend of Bill” since 1984. He committed himself to helping others and was active in service work.

David was known for his generous spirit, infectious laughter, quick wit and sassiness. If you walked into the room and said hello, and he would cut a quick zinger, have a smile on his face and you would say “Thank you” as you left the room. For most of his friends, he was affectionately known as “Ma” and John as “Pa”. This term of endearment was cast on him during the many memories on the “farm” in Mount Juliet. The years together at the farm, brought many characters into their lives: Missy, Ms. Mess, Skyscraper, Old Maid Aunt Pearl, to name a few by nickname and so many more.

David was a avid reader and found enjoyment in always cooking a big meal during the holidays. if you left hungry-it was your own fault. He loved food and John helped to highlight a wide array of cuisine. However, David, still loved Vienna sausage, his daily toast, coffee and trips to Cracker Barrel. During the holidays he would decorate with his Santa’s at Christmas. David’s biggest assist was his heart, often thinking of others before himself. he loved to travel and loved adventure. The first vacation he ever took was at the Grand Canyon with John and his favorite memory. His last big trip was in 2019, when he and Opie went it Natchitoches, LA (Where Steel Magnolias was filmed), San Antonio, Texas, Rockport, TX and New Orleans, LA. He left this world a better place than he found it.

David’s favorite TV shows where first and foremost, The Golden Girls. He could be in a room and quote any line verbatim and definitely had the “Sophia” roll in the house. He and Opie (Blanche) would recite every episode. Jamey was definitely Rose and Tyler definitely a short version of Dorothy. David also loved, I Love Lucy, The Waltons, The Andy Griffith Show, Tales from the City, Dr. Who, StarTrek, Stargate, The Three Stooges, Fraizer, The Big Bang Theory, Little House of the Prairie, Maude, Magnum P.I., The Carol Burnett Show, The Nanny, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live. He loved “B” rated movies (Comet T.V.) especially anything with Vincent Price, old silent films, he loved musicals and theatrical plays.

David’s favorite movies were White Christmas, The Wizard of Oz, Steel Magnolias, Torch Song Trilogy, The Rock Horror Picture Show, The Harry Potter Film Series, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Color Purple, Titanic, Beaches, The Bird Cage, Mame and Too Wing Foo, Thanks for everything Julia Newma (David said seeing Patrick Swazey in a dress was flawless)

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from two o'clock In the afternoon until four 'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Brentwood-Roesch- Patton Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at four o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, for those unable to attend the service will be streamed live on Facebook. Everyone is encouraged to wear something "colorful".

David’s wish was to be cremated and part of his remains to be scattered and the remainder placed with John in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Nashville Cares or the Nashville Rescue Mission, whose links are below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Brentwood-Roesch-PattonFuneralHome.com for the Gary family.