Gary Steven Sassaman

Surrounded by his wife and three daughters, Gary Steven Sassaman passed away peacefully the morning of Monday March 5 after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma in December 2017. He was 65 years old. He leaves behind his wife Lisa Oldham Sassaman; his father Grover Sassaman; his three daughters Amanda Hood (Brian), Laura Solomon (Perry) and Sara Mosser (Cory) and ten grandchildren: Owen, Weston, Miles, and Alice Hood; Gwyneth, Addison, and Ruby Solomon; Evelyn, Audrey, and Ella Mosser; his brother Greg Sassaman (Lisa) and his dog and constant companion, Henry. He was predeceased by his mother Genevieve Sassaman. Born in Lakeland, FL on November 15, 1952, Gary moved to Macon at the age of five when his family opened Harley-Davidson of Macon. Gary and Lisa were high school sweethearts and married on July 20, 1973. They loved each other well, in sickness and in health, and were married for 44 years. Gary was an amazing father and believed strongly in the value of family. He loved his daughters with passion and ferocity and taught them to be strong women. He was a devoted and present "Papa Gary" to his grandchildren and enjoyed a unique relationship with each of them. Infinitely loyal to his many friends, he placed a strong value on relationships and communication. He made it clear he cared for his friends and family through both his words and actions. Gary was also a friend to all animals. On his frequent drives down dirt roads in his Jeep he occasionally discovered animals in need and always made sure they were well taken care of. His devotion to his pets was known by all who encountered him. After battling multiple detached retinas and facing potential blindness, Gary started playing guitar at age 55. This shaped the last 10 years of his life where he played across Macon and became affectionately known as "the voice of middle Georgia." He was a mentor and friend to many musicians. The family will greet friends at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, March 9. The memorial service will be Saturday, March 10 at 2pm, also at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, 31210. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the Griffin Area Resource Center, a private non-profit organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or SOS Labrador Rescue where Gary adopted his beloved Henry. Griffin Area Resource Center 931 Hamilton Blvd Griffin, GA 30223 https://griffinarearesourcecenter.com/donate SOS Labrador Rescue 1455 Thurston Snow Road Good Hope, GA 30641 http://www.soslabrescue.org/donate Please visit www.hartsmort.com to sign the online guest registry. Hart's Mortuary, at the Cupola, has charge of arrangements.

The family will greet friends at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, March 9