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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James McGarry McKenna at Celebration Village, Suwanee, Georgia, on Friday, July 31, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Garry was in his 86th year.
He was the beloved husband for over 62 years of Marie Staab McKenna; loving father to daughters Linda Smith (husband Gary), Carol Lee Woodley (husband Dan), Mari Beth King (husband Rob), and son Garry McKenna, Jr; proud grandfather of Tyler King (wife Anna), Courtney Smith Massee (husband Luke), Kara King Brunelle (husband Parker), Colby Woodley (deceased), Kelsey King, Leah Woodley, Morgan Smith, and McKenna Woodley, and proud great-grandfather to Rhett and Reed Massee, Holden and Bennett Brunelle, and Sloane and Madison King.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Raymond McKenna and Mary Ellen McGarry McKenna and siblings William Joseph (Billy), Charles Raymond (Charlie/Ray), Rosemary McKenna Slack, Catherine Eileen McKenna Ingold Mickelson, John Edward ( Jack), Thomas Daniel (Tom), and survived by sister Ellen Elizabeth McKenna (Betty) McCullough; fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many good friends.
Garry graduated from St. Luke’s High School, Carnegie, PA in 1952, played football as a freshman at Saint Francis University in Loretta, PA, then entered the Navy to serve his country in the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Garry was the founder and owner of Chemweld, Inc., which supplies industrial fuel to the metalworking industry. He was also a real estate investor owning several properties in Georgia and Florida.
He was a funny and gregarious gentleman holding the highest integrity in business and family life. He was always happy and fondly remembered by his grandchildren as Happy Pappy! He loved playing tennis in the early years and really enjoyed golf with his wife Marie during their time at Country Club of the South. He loved socializing with his friends and family the most.
A funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 11:00 AM, All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA. The family will receive visitors outside the narthex at 10:15 AM. Final commendation immediately after in the All Saints Columbarium.
All Saints Catholic Church requires strict adherence to social distancing and masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Garry’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914 www.GeorgiaCremation.com
Marcella Atkinson says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Garry would come in to MFP where I worked for his lunch. Such a dear sweet man that was always talking about his wife. I don’t know how many times he showed me the picture of her that he had in his wallet. He called her his German woman. He always made me laugh with his funny since of humor. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of the family. He will be sadly missed.
M J Childress says
So Sad to hear of Garry’s passing. He was a wonderful person. I loved sitting and talking with him. He had a kind heart. He will be missed.
Pat Nash says
Lamar and I send our deepest condolences to Garry’s family.
Brian & Terri Veigl says
Linda
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Angela Ash says
Carol Lee,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He sounded like a wonderful man. I will always love his birthday video of you two dancing. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Ash
Becky Litsky says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family! So sorry.
JoAnn Greskovich says
Bill & I have great memories of all of the McKenna’s ,as neighbors in Dunwoody. Bill & Gary had some fun time painting the starting blocks for the swim team.
You are in our thoughts & Prayers 🙏🏻
JoAnn & Bill Greskovich
Christopher Fleming says
My thoughts and condolences go out to the entire family in this difficult time. I didn’t personally know Happy Pappy, but the family members I do know and grew to love, have amazing hearts. You learn that from previous generations, so I know he was an outstanding man. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Much Love,
Christopher Fleming
Nancy Burrows says
God’s Blessings to all the McKenna family 🙏 My husband Bill spent many years working for Garry, and I had the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with him and Marie. Nice memories💕 My love to all🥰
Karen Ryan says
So sorry to hear of your loss of such a wonderful, fun loving, man of integrity. Watching the video of him dancing in the parking lot with his sweet family showed how much joy he brought to your lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers🙏🏻❤️
Bob Ross says
WoW, Linda and Carol Lee…such sad news. What a cool guy. Bet your memories will help down the road.
I have a few, as well.
Thinking of you two.
Ted and Jenay Williams says
I am so sorry that you have had this loss in your family!! Please know we are praying for everyone who ever loved him!
Parker says
Our sincere sympathies to all of your family. Gary was a joy to know
Larry and Ellen Parker
Beverly Staab says
My Dearest Aunt Marie, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss of your beloved husband Uncle Gary.
Your nephew Tom and wife Beverly Staab
Mario Vivas says
Great man who raised a great family. God’s blessings to Garry Jr. and every member of the McKenna’s Family.
Much Love,
Mario Vivas & Family
Pat McNeill says
Many thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know my parents were thrilled to see him, and in heaven, every night is Friday night! Garry was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew him.
Pat McNeill
John Ospina says
So sorry to hear of James passing. My sincerest sympathies to all of your family.
Lynn McNabb says
We work with Garry (Jr.) and have heard fond stories of what a wonderful man his dad was. Seems like someone who would have been a pleasure to know. Please know your family is in our prayers and we are sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Phal Shah & Ramesh Chopra says
Our deepest condolences to Garry (Jr) and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry Parker says
To all of the McKenna Family
We have known Gary and Marie since our arrival at Privateer in 1997. What a wonderful couple and family. Gary was always so friendly and happy that the Happy Pappy nickname is no surprise. He will be greatly missed by all of us. We know that recent times have been a struggle for the family but Gary’s love is reflected in all of you. You have our sympathies and prayers. We will see you soon when we return to LBK in the end of August.
Larry and Ellen
Walter Terry says
My friend and golfing buddy! Will miss you !
Marvin McCollum says
Garry was a rare individual, smart businessman, happy and fun person but more importantly, a great friend! Having worked with him for over 10 years, starting when he first started the company that would later become Chemweld, I’m reminded of great times that still bring a smile to my face. I was so saddened to hear of his passing and extend my love and deepest sympathy to Marie and your incredible family