Gary Gilbreath

Gary Lynn Gilbreath, age 49, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. He was born on April 30, 1976, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Charles Gilbreath, Sr. and Gladys Louise Cooper, who survives.

Gary was a proud graduate of Thomas County Central High School, class of 1994, where he received a medal for perfect attendance throughout school. Gary was also a member of the Air Force JROTC in high school. He grew up attending Meigs Church of God and First Baptist Church of Pelham. Gary had a passion for life, particularly when it came to sports; he was a devoted fan of UGA football and Thomas County Central Yellow Jacket football, and he will be remembered for his love of conversation and biblical debate.

In addition to his mother and stepfather, James Cooper, Gary is survived by his siblings, Charles "Sonny" Harmon Gilbreath Jr., Tina Smith, and Billy Joe Gilbreath (Jennifer), as well as nieces and nephews Nathan Smith, Bella Smith, Mackenzie Gilbreath, Cross Gilbreath, Karli Gilbreath, Korbin Gilbreath, Kendyl Krantz, Lyrik Gilbreath, Kadince Gilbreath, and River Gilbreath. He was preceded in death by his father, his brother, Jonathan Andrew Smith, as well as his grandparents, Elvie and Gladys Smith, and Robert and Olif Gilbreath.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Allen and Allen Funeral Home at 11 a.m. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m. prior to the service.