In the early afternoon of Sunday, February 2, 2025, Gary Linebaugh, age 85, went home to be with the Lord. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on April 19, 1939 to Ralph and Lucy (Haines) Linebaugh.

On October 13th, 1990, Gary married his sweetheart, Sue, in Grove City, Ohio. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary last year. He was the father to 1 son, Philip Linebaugh, 2 stepsons, Brett Libbe and Todd Libbe, and 3 daughters, Jodi Sims, Rebecca Lambert, and Julie Eads. He was the father-in-law to Kim Linebaugh, David Sims, Keith Lambert, and Ron Eads. He was a proud Papaw to his grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Linebaugh, Brittany (Eric) Linebaugh Schiro, Stephen (Hannah) Sims, Jonathan Sims, Taylor (Braxton) Johnson Lowe, Jenna Lambert, Terry (Anna) Lambert, Carly Lambert, Tyler Eads, Andrew (Hannah) Eads, and Aaron (Carolina) Eads. He was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, Connor Linebaugh, Graham Linebaugh, Cora Schiro, Hadley Schiro, Nora Sims, Tanner Sims, Knox Lambert, Lacey Lambert, Benjamin Eads, August Eads, Jodi Rey Eads, and Mason Eads. If you ever spent much time around Gary, you were certain to hear him brag about his kids, grandkids, & great-grandkids!

He was the 5th of 8 children, and is survived by his brother Glenn (Pat) Linebaugh, and his sisters, Laura Lee Linebaugh and Susan Linebaugh. When Gary got to Heaven, he was welcomed by those who had gone before him ~ his parents, Ralph and Lucy Linebaugh, older brothers and their wives, Dale (Opal) Linebaugh, Ray “Skip” (Shirley) Linebaugh, his sister and brother-in-law, Betty (Frank) Linebaugh Palagyi, and his sister, Janet Linebaugh Hinkson. What a reunion that must have been!

Gary was a real-life cowboy who spent much of his life riding, breaking, and training horses, and was a respected farrier, shoeing many horses across the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding areas. He loved music, and his children knew to listen as he preached, knowing at any moment they would be called to the stage to sing as a family. He played and coached basketball, was a church league softball catcher and pitcher, knew his way around many golf courses, and loved to dance with his sweetheart, Sue. He was the traditional pie baker and gravy maker at every family Thanksgiving. And one of his favorite ways to relax in warm weather was camping with Sue, his brother Glenn, and his wife, Pat. If you were a horse, a dog, or a Linebaugh kid, you knew to pay attention when you heard “the whistle,” and that same tradition is carried on by his kids today. All 4 Linebaugh kids knew from the beginning that you never wanted him to have to snap his fingers three times to get your attention, especially in church.

He was a graduate of Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, NY, and went on to Pastor several churches in Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, and Tennessee. His calling and passion for sharing Jesus with others allowed him the honor of leading hundreds to the Lord during his decades of ministry. He served as Headmaster of Edmund Burke Academy in Waynesboro, GA, and was the Hospital Administrator at Burke County Hospital, also in Waynesboro.

In 1986, he began a career at Southeastern Tennessee State Regional Correctional Facility as a Correctional Officer. A few years later, he continued his education at Bryan College in Dayton, TN, afterwards continuing his career at the Prison as Correctional Counselor. In 2013 he finally retired, holding the position of Psychiatric Chaplain. The impact his years at the prison made on the lives of countless inmates and fellow employees was life-changing for so many, and it wasn’t uncommon for him to be approached after his retirement by former inmates whose lives he had impacted during his years at the prison, thanking him for his Godly influence and guidance.

In the years after his retirement, he became the Seniors Pastor at Lantana Road Baptist Church, and found such joy in planning events and trips, ministering to the senior members of the church, occasionally having the opportunity to minister from the pulpit.

Gary lived a full life. He was the king of the bad Dad Joke, (“Got any grapes?”), and his contagious laugh could fill a room. He never met a stranger, and had a gift for remembering the names of those with whom he shared life, no matter how much time had passed, and they certainly remembered him.

Rarely would his family gather without singing these words at his request. Words that will forever ring in their hearts:

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me…Thy great salvation, so rich, and free.”

A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, February 22nd at Lantana Road Baptist Church in Crossville, TN. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m.

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