Gary Neil Reach, lovingly known as “Poppa,” was born on January 27, 1955. He went home to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of June 30, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Reach; his parents, Wallace and Jerrie Reach; his daughter, Casey Cates; his great-granddaughter, Ripley Reach; and his lifelong best friend, Ricky Holder.

Gary is survived by four siblings: Keith Reach (Wanda), Rhonda Miller (Ron), Mark Reach (Tamara), and Jeff Reach.

His legacy will live on through his daughters, Stacy Pennington (Ray) and Chasity Beavers (Phillip), and through the lives of his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The love Poppa had for his family was truly unconditional. We were blessed to never doubt how much he loved us—he told us often and showed it even more. He lived his life in service to those he loved, putting that love into action in every way he could.

Poppa was also famously known for loving to play favorites—and he wasn’t shy about it! Each grandchild and great-grandchild had their own special title, and he made sure they knew it:

• Favorite Oldest Grandson: Brantley Reach (Jordan)

• Favorite Oldest Granddaughter: Kelsey Hendrix (Kensley)

• Favorite 2nd Oldest Grandson: Brody Carroll

• Favorite 3rd Oldest Grandson: Eli Beavers

• Favorite Youngest Grandson: Bryant Register

• Favorite Youngest Granddaughter: Kaleigh Carroll

And yes—he even had favorites among the great-grandkids:

• Favorite Oldest Great-Grandson: Wren Reach

• Favorite Youngest Great-Grandson: Rowan Hendrix

• Favorite Great-Granddaughter: Daisy Hendrix

This playful tradition was just one of the many ways Poppa made each child feel seen, loved, and uniquely special.

Gary was a man of many talents. He loved to sing and dance, which lives on in the old songs every family member knows. He could fix anything, had a green thumb, and his unique whistle would round up kids in record time! Gary could drive anything with wheels - including the school bus, where he became a beloved figure to countless students.

He was best known in the community for his remarkable skill in woodworking. As the founder of Built to Last Woodworks, Gary designed and handcrafted outdoor furniture and play sets that truly lived up to the name. His swing sets, picnic tables, chairs, forts, and Christmas decorations still grace the homes and yards of families across the Southeast. He also shared his talents by teaching the art of building to high school students through the local trade school program—passing on not just practical skills, but also the pride of creating something with your own two hands.

Gary lived a full life and taught those around him to do the same. He worked hard to provide for his family and others, always giving more than he took. Though the years of labor took a toll on his body, we find peace in knowing he is now healed, whole, and in the arms of Jesus. No doubt, the two carpenters have plenty to talk about.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished.

We will celebrate his life on July 3, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, and honor him with a fireworks show at his home on July 4, 2025.

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