Gary Lynn Hagy

Mr. Hagy was born on May 10, 1956 in Abingdon, Virginia. He was the son of David M. and Georgia Holbrook Hagy. On June 28, 1986, he married Beth Ellen Sperry at the United Methodist Church in Hyde Park, New York.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hagy was preceded in death by his brothers, David Wayne Hagy and George Rogers Hagy; his father-in-law, Page W. Sperry, Jr; and his sister-in-law, Pamela Sperry Bendyk.

Mr. Hagy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Beth Sperry Hagy; daughter, Emily Noelle Hagy; sister-in-law, Eva Jane Hagy; a special niece and nephew, Amy Hagy Baumgardner (Steve) and Mark Rogers Hagy; his mother-in-law, Gwenyth P. Sperry; brothers-in-law, Mark P. Bendyk and Wesley Sperry (Dawn); and sister-in-law, LouAnne Sperry Scherb (Brian).

Affectionately known as “Uncle Grits”, Mr. Hagy is also survived by several northern nieces and nephews: Joshua Bendyk (Taylor), Sarah Nicolato Norcross (Phil), Caroline Bendyk, Bryan Sperry (Lucy), Erin Sperry Hogan (Clay); several great nieces and nephews, many cousins, dear friends and neighbors, and a chocolate lab whom he named “John Boy”.

A graduate of Abingdon High School, class of 1974, Mr. Hagy received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Emory and Henry College and his Masters of Science degree in Environmental Health from East Tennessee State University.

Mr. Hagy enjoyed a long career (42 years) with the Virginia State Health Department serving in several capacities in Richmond and on the Peninsula. He retired in 2021.

Mr. Hagy was a devoted husband and father. He was friendly, out-going, thoughtful, kind, patient and had a marvelous sense of humor. He enjoyed sports, particularly college football, and played baseball and football in high school and then continued to play football throughout his 4 years in college. He was a loyal fan of the St Louis Cardinals and helped coach a local baseball team with his friend, David Crowder. Mr. Hagy loved to play games, especially cards, and enjoyed playing with a monthly poker group. He also enjoyed participating in a Fantasy Football League with family and friends, naming his team “Hagy’s Hounds”. Mr. Hagy was active with the band boosters at Hornsby Middle School and Jamestown High School when his daughter played in the band.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 15th, 5-7 PM, at Nelsen Funeral Home on 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA.

A memorial service will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church at 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA on Thursday July 16th at 1:00 PM where Mr. Hagy was a member, followed by a reception at the church. Burial will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road; Williamsburg, VA 23185 or to the Lab Rescue LRCP, P.O. Box 1814; Annandale, VA 22003.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists and caretakers, especially Nichola at The Haven for her knowledge and dedication while Mr. Hagy was in her care.