Gary David LaBruyere, age 77, of Chapin, South Carolina passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, July 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and two sons. He was born on August 24, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Mary Marcella Meinz and Charles Ervin LaBruyere.
Gary spent his formative years growing up in Jackson, South Carolina. There, he graduated from Jackson High School in 1964, where he was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, and his greatest joy, football.
During high school, Gary met Lynda, the love of his life and his wife of 55 years. After graduation, he attended the University of South Carolina, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1968. Following college, Gary joined Westinghouse, where he dedicated 38 years to the nuclear fuel division until his retirement.
A high school injury during his senior year prevented Gary from pursuing his dream of playing college football. However, he found solace refereeing South Carolina high school football until his own sons began playing sports. Gary was a devoted father, grandfather, and a loving husband to Lynda.
In retirement, Gary found joy in gardening, woodworking, and especially life on his beloved Lake Murray, where he enjoyed fishing, boating, and appreciating beautiful sunsets. He was a passionate traveler, exploring every state except Alaska and nearly all U.S. National Parks.
Above all, Gary was a devoted Christian. In his early 30s, at Lynda’s request, he began attending church “for their children’s sake.” To his surprise, this routine, reluctant act sparked a lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ and the Christian Church. Gary was an active and beloved member of Chapin Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday school, and inspiring those around him to humbly do good in the name of Christ.
Gary is survived by his wife, Lynda Collins LaBruyere; sons, Jereme Chad LaBruyere (Alison) of Atlanta, GA and Daron Adam LaBruyere (Stephanie) of Chapin; grandchildren, James Nelson LaBruyere, Joshua Charles LaBruyere, Eden Marie LaBruyere, and Arlo Eugene LaBruyere; and his brother, Paul Kenneth LaBruyere, of Blairsville, GA.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gene LaBruyere Pyatt.
Gary’s family will host a visitation at Chapin Baptist Church, 950 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036, on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 1PM to 2PM, followed immediately by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to JAARS (www.jaars.org/give/; 1-888-773-1178).
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