Gary Robert Shanks
July 7, 1946 – June 3, 2021
On June 3, 2021 Gary Robert Shanks, devoted husband, father, and “Pops” to his two precious grandboys, died at the age of 74 after battling months of complications from a massive stroke. He was born July 7, 1946 in Roanoke, VA to Orion Robert Shanks and Florence Morgan Shanks. He was raised on the family farm in Botetourt County and from an early age hit rocks across the creek going through the New York Yankees batting order. A lifelong sports fan, his Man Cave is filled with baseball memorabilia. Gary loved country music and sang loudly whether in the shower or in church. On special occasions he was the first person on the dance floor performing the “Fincastle Stomp” to his favorite “Rocky Top” song.
Gary enjoyed retirement in Louisa County after years of working in accounting. Strong in body and mind, he would say his greatest achievement in life was devotion to his family: wife Pattie of 47 years; son Garrett Shanks; daughter Morgan Toxie; grandsons Adam Everett Toxie, age 5, and Ethan Robert Toxie, age 2; sister and brother-in-law Patsy and Wayne Duffy of Roanoke.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 7 at Lacy Funeral Home Mineral, VA from 5-8 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 8 at Spring Grove Cemetery in Mineral, VA at 11 a.m. In honor of his memory, memorial gifts can be given to Holly Grove Volunteer Rescue Squad or Fire Department.
Morgan- I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending you prayers of peace and comfort.
Morgan, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Wrapping you and your family in love and prayers from afar.
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He spent many hours entertaining a girl cousin on Sunday afternoons while my mother visited her mother. These memories will be cherished.
Dear Folks –
Please accept my sincere condolences in Gary’s passing. Per Patsy, he certainly gave a long, hard fight to remain with you, his loved ones.
I met him only once but enjoyed his happy personality.
May many wonderful and happy memories be of comfort to all of you.
A friend of Pat’s & Wayne’s in Roanoke.
Our heartfelt sympathy on Gary’s passing; our prayers and thoughts go out to Pattie and family.
Gary was kind and gentle man; he will be deeply missed.
Heaven has gained another Special Angel. We have already said goodbyes to two close loved ones this week. We have a lot of fond memories of Gary and Patsy on Catawba Creek and Asbury School. Condolences to Pattie and all her beautiful family. And our thoughts and prayers will be with you throughout the week. May you RIP dear friend
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We love you, Garrett.
Patti and family my prayers are with you during this difficult time.I appreciate you for letting us take care of Gary I will never forget his beautiful smile and Patti i will always cherish you and your hospitality.May you find peace with prayer and comfort.Love chazz
Pattie and family:
Charlie and I are expressing our sadness and most sincere condolences on Gary’s passing. We weren’t aware, but just read about it in the Central Virginian. May God strengthen your family and grant you peace beyond all understanding as only He can to endure the days ahead.
We always thought so highly of you and Gary and considered y’all very close friends ever since Charlie and Gary were co-workers at Klockner. God bless you always. We love you.