Ronald Gary

Ronald Lee Gary was born on July 2, 1946, and he transitioned to heaven on June 22, 2022. Ronnie, as family and friends called him, was the eighth child in the union of John Lee and Lillie (Rushin) Gary. He was raised in Schenectady, New York, and attended Mont Pleasant High School. Ronnie's early life he filled with Christianity. He loved God, and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mumford Street) remained a place he loved to attend and serve. For a period, we thought he would become a preacher.

He enlisted in the United States Army at 17, where he served a lengthy tour of Viet Nam. That deployment brought emotional scares that he struggled with for years. In his honesty, he told his story of drug abuse and how he fought for a clean life. He made it and lived drug-free for over 20 years. Look at God!

Ronnie remained clean by facilitating Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meetings for years. In addition, Ronnie was the founder of the "Jump Start" program that met at Bethel, A M E Church for 13 years. If you tried or attempted to get free from drugs, he supported you! We are sure a many a person called Ronnie, and he went to help them.

Ronnie lived like his parents, who had never met a stranger, showing all compassion, concern, and care. He was a giving man, and God welcomed him and gave him his long white robe.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his grandmother, Arizona Royster, his parents, John and Lillie Gary, James Sweat (Brother), Mattie Johnson (Sister), Robert L. Evans (Brother), Gertrude Jackson (Sister), Eddie Evans (Brother), Shirley Gary Van Ness (Sister), Thomas L. Gary (Brother), and Shadasya Gary (Granddaughter).

Left to mourn him are Otis John Evans-Gary (Brother) and Dr. Sandra L. Gary Winborne (Baby Sister).

Ronnie also leaves to grieve his love for many years, Cherie Goodwin. They understood each other, and their lives integrated. Her family will miss him as well.

Also grieving are his sons, Andre Gary of Schenectady and Sean Gary of Atlanta. A grandson, Lamaun Gary, and his children (Jalen, Johan, and Noah). Also, many nieces and nephews, along with others, who dearly loved him. We miss you, Ronnie!


The family of Ronald L. Gary sincerely thank and appreciates your kind texts, Facebook posts, cards, letters, flowers, hugs, and food donations.

Service date and time are listed below.

Burial with military honors will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.