Gary Paul Donehoo

On April 28, 2023, Gary Donehoo peaceably went to be with the Lord surrounded by his wife and family. Gary is survived by his wife, Lynne Donehoo (Sautee Nacoochee, GA); his son, Brandon and his wife, Jessica (Portland, OR), brother in law, and sister in law, Steve and Karin McConnell (Fountain Inn, SC); Five grandchildren: Madeline, Charlotte, and Reid Donehoo (Portland, OR); Cody White (Fredericksburg, VA) and Cadence Shelnutt, (Odenton, MD) and four nieces and nephews.  Also three brothers from another mother: Steve McConnell, Marty Drawhorn, and Mike Jones.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua and Lillian Terrell Donehoo, and his son, David Shelnutt.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center at 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00, with a service to follow immediately. In honor of Gary and his strong dislike of wearing ties, the family kindly asks for attendees not to wear ties to the service.  There will be a private family graveside service. In memoriam, please consider a donation to: Your local Meals on Wheels, Otis Redding Foundation at 339 Cotton Avenue, Macon, GA 31201,Tunnel to Towers Foundation, American Cancer Society, or Support Lung Cancer Research.

Gary Donehoo was a kind, wonderful, and loving man. As a doting Grandfather, he made sure all his grandchildren had on time birthday cards with monetary surprises tucked inside.   Gary was a voracious reader, devouring works of other cultures, history and current events. It was known that he would read 5 newspapers in the morning before starting work. After graduating from Lanier High School in 1966 as an officer in Sedarmoc Fraternity he remained lifelong friends with many of the men. Majoring in anthropology at Auburn, his lifelong passion of searching for relics of the past grew.  He delved deeply into archaeology, examining cultures, participating in digs on the Ocmulgee Temple Mound and other significant historical sites.

Music, Gary’s other passion, played a pivotal role in his life.  The Macon music scene was coming of age and Gary was right there with it locally and nationally.   Partnering with Alan Walden, Gary began his musical journey in rhythm and blues, managing some of the top names in the business. They even branched out into rock and roll, managing some bands that are still relevant today. Gary had a talent for organizing upcoming dates for the artist and/or bands. He would make sure the artists and their equipment arrived on time at the venue.  

After leaving the music industry, Gary worked for the Bibb County Board of Education in the Maintenance Department for 23 years. Gary developed many friendships during his time with the school board. He treasured these friendships with everyone from the janitorial staff to members of the maintenance department.

After retiring from the school board Gary and his wife Lynne moved to Fountain Inn South Carolina to be closer to family.  Fourteen years later they returned to Georgia and spent his remaining years in Sautee Nacoochee, just outside of Helen Ga.  Gary, treasured by many, with a heart of gold will be dearly missed.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences. 

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements. 

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