Gary Eugene Putney

Gary Eugene Putney
Gary entered into rest on December 23, 2023. The son Of Donald and Mildred Putney, he was born in
Tucson, Arizona January 23, 1951. He had 2 older brothers, Chuck and Donny.

He attended BlenmanElementary School, Doolen Junior High and Catalina High School all in Tucson. Gary enjoyed drama and choir in high school. His family spent many summers in the White Mountains camping and fishing and he became particularly close with his maternal grandfather “Pop” during these trips. After high school he was about to be drafted and quickly joined the Navy and ended up doing 3 tours in Vietnam.

The trauma of this time troubled him for many years. Gary married, had a son, Travis, got divorced, married and divorced more times over the years. In his middle years he lived and worked in Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Alabama. He worked a variety of jobs, but his years at Ace hardware and his time in Iraq as a civilian contractor were the most enjoyable. Gary also operated an art gallery for a time in Wimberly, Texas. I think this was his favorite occupation.

In retirement he returned to Tucson and met Madeline, his last life partner. In 2020 Gary received a
double lung transplant and got a new lease on life. It was a bumpy road with many complications, but he
lived life fully. He published much of his writing on his Facebook group and expanded his painting skills.

Throughout his long life he managed to maintain a creative outlet of some type. Gary enjoyed creative
writing and wrote many stories and poems. He was a talker and quite a storyteller. He was also known
for telling terrible jokes. Gary did lots of woodworking, leatherworking, folk art, acrylic painting, and
lately upcycling furniture with painted décor. He managed to get back to the White Mountains a few
times and outfitted his van for camping. He was truly a renaissance man. He will be missed.
A memorial gathering will be held on January 27th. Contact Madeline for details.