Gary Evans Colbert

SERVICE POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS IN FAMILY- WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE Gary Evans Colbert, age 75, of Buford, GA, passed away on December 3, 2022 following a valiant fight against lung disease. He is survived by his wife, Norma Houseal Colbert of Buford, GA; children, Myles Evans Colbert of Knoxville, TN, Jordan Skyler (Marissa) Colbert of Buford, GA; grandchildren, Otto Evans Colbert, Audrey Belle Colbert; siblings, Gerald Keith (Tobi) Colbert of Matthews, NC, Stanley (Deborah) Colbert of Abbeville, SC, Marsha Colbert Walker of Matthews, NC, Donna (Timothy) Carter of Oakwood, GA; sister-in-law, Nancy Houseal of Buford, GA; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was born on September 17, 1947 in Pensacola, FL. Growing up, he enjoyed playing sports, but developed a love for music at an early age, singing at church and playing various musical instruments. Following his 1965 graduation from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, he joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1966-1969 during the Vietnam War Era. As an accomplished musician, he played trumpet in the Third U.S. Army Band. He was called upon to play taps at the funerals for over 350 fellow soldiers killed in action - an assignment that weighed heavily on his heart for the remainder of his life. Gary received great satisfaction from his years as a High School Band, Orchestra and Choir Director in Baton Rouge, LA. After retiring, Gary and Norma moved to Buford, GA, where they became members of Buford First United Methodist Church. Gary was a member of the Poarch Creek Indian Tribe and was proud of his Native American heritage. He was an enthusiastic fan of the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers, loved to travel, play golf and tell corny dad jokes .Gary was a grill master, somehow having turned the art of grilling into a science. He held the distinction of being one of very few people who always looked forward to the annual arrival of Claxton Fruitcake and was known to eat an entire loaf at one sitting! Gary was a wonderful big brother to his four younger siblings, but his favorite roles in life were husband to his beautiful wife, Norma; father to his sons, Myles and Skyler; and perhaps most of all, Papa to his grandchildren, Otto and Audrey Belle. He is, and will always be, deeply loved - and missed. Gary, all is well, safely rest, God is nigh. We love you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buford First United Methodist Church Building Fund, Buford First UMC, P.O. Box 329, Buford, GA 30515.

Gary Evans Colbert

September 17, 1947 - December 3, 2022