Gary Ellis Kicklighter, 80, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, surrounded by family in Charlotte, North Carolina. A recent resident of Huntersville, Gary was born on February 7, 1944, in Glennville, Georgia. While growing up in Savannah, Gary began working in the seafood industry, dedicating over 50 years to a career with the Rich-SeaPak Corporation. His long tenure with Rich’s led Gary to Saint Simons Island, Georgia, where he set his roots.

Forever a Georgian at heart, Gary loved both the beaches of the Golden Isles and a treasured family farm in Statesboro. When he wasn’t cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs, he would spend afternoons under the shade of live oaks in his well-tended courtyard. Above all else, Gary had a tremendous love for others. He was a devout volunteer throughout his life, helping many groups within his church and the residents of local senior care centers. Beyond his service, Gary enjoyed regularly gathering for lunch with colleagues who remained life-long friends. His greatest love, though, was for his family, who he cared for deeply. Vacationing with his family, and especially his grandchildren, were some of Gary’s fondest experiences in life.

Gary is survived by his children Vikki (Craig) Johnson, Amanda (Adam) Blank, and Adam (Brittany) Kicklighter, along with six grandchildren. In keeping with Gary’s wishes, the family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be collected at https://everloved.com/life-of…, which will be dispersed to two organizations that meant the world to Gary: New Life Free Will Baptist Church in Statesboro, Georgia and the Senior Care Center in Brunswick, Georgia.

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