Pelfrey, Gary Allen (Cleveland)

Gary Allen Pelfrey, age 70, of Cleveland passed away on December 4, 2017 at a local hospital.

Gary was retired from TVA after 30 years of loyal service.  Gary was quite the man about town and loved by all who knew him.  He never met a stranger! He had a bar stool with his name on it that he occupied every day at 3 p.m. at Jenkins Restaurant where he enjoyed Miller 64 beer on draft as the bottles were “too expensive” and after all he had a corvette to keep fueled up. To his friends, he was dubbed the “squirrel whisperer” because of a rather humorous mishap with what he claimed was a tattooed squirrel.  Whether it was a case of simple mistaken identity or if in fact the squirrel had a vendetta against Gary, the world may never know.  Whatever the case, Gary had to endure a round of rabies shots that made for a story grander with each telling.  Gary loved to play golf and he loved his corvette.  He would rather be outside than inside.  Yardwork was not a chore to Gary.  He was known in the neighborhood as “Mr. Fix It” because there wasn’t much he could not do.  In addition to spending time with his beloved wife, Sue and their dogs, Mercedes and Benzee, Gary loved to babysit his “adopted” neighborhood family’s children, Hadley, Hayes and Landen Harris. 

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Pearl Mae Pelfrey; siblings, Robert Pelfrey, Glenda Pelfrey, Shirley Dickson, Barbara Moore and David Pelfrey.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sue Pelfrey; children, Gabe Pelfrey, Christie Pelfrey, Beth Ann Pelfrey Carter; step-son, Chris Gray; grandson, Brody Carter; siblings, Dean Pelfrey, Jackie Pelfrey, James Pelfrey (Becky), Wanda Dickson (Jack); in-laws, Jim and Lou Martin, brothers-in- law, Mike Martin (Loretta), Bob Martin (Terry) and Jim Martin Jr. (Sue); adopted family, Kyle, Laura, Hadley, Hayes and Landen Harris.

In honor of Gary’s wishes, no service is planned but they would appreciate everyone keeping a look out for that elusive tattooed squirrel. Gary would have wanted it that way.

Online condolences may be left at www.SerenityofCleveland.com.