The Reverend John Gary Waller died on March 15, 2021, in Laguna Hills, California after a brief illness. Gary was born on November 10, 1933, in Montgomery, Alabama, and was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Ernest Waller and Marion Waller, and his brother Guy Ernest Waller, Jr.
He is survived by his wife Debra Waller of Laguna Woods, California, her children and their families; his sister Sandra Waller of Montgomery, Alabama; his first wife Beth Meyer of Greenville, South Carolina and their three children, Susan Waller Ramos (Felix) of Asheville, North Carolina; John Waller (Carrie) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and David Waller (Kasey) of Dallas, Texas; his seven grandchildren; his niece Suzanne Cabezas and family of Hollywood, Florida; and his nephew Guy Waller III and family of Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Gary graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. He graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and received a Master of Theology degree from Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.
During his ministry, Gary served pastorates at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Florida; First Presbyterian Church of Smithfield, North Carolina; Community Presbyterian Church of Atlantic Beach, Florida and First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. He was Co-Founder and Co-Director of Frontera de Cristo, a joint partnership between the Presbyterian Church of Mexico and the Presbyterian Church USA along the Arizona-Mexico border. After retirement, he served as interim minister in various PCUSA churches in the southeast.
Gary loved his Lord, his family, and Alabama football. He had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling the world over. When recently asked, he said his rules to live by were to give generously, receive graciously, and see Jesus in everyone he met. His life was a testament to these rules and to his faith, and he was a gift to all who knew him.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of Gary's life will be held when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Gary's life may contribute to the mission of the
Presbyterian Church (USA)
100 Witherspoon St.
Louisville KY 40202
Published by Montgomery Advertiser from March 20 to March 28, 2021.