Gary McRoy Kimbrell

On Veterans Day November 11, 2017, Gary McRoy Kimbrell of Abingdon Va., an aviator, made his final landing. Gary was born in Rock Hill, S.C. to Eb McRoy and Ruth Black Kimbrell who preceded him in death.

A 1964 high school graduate of Statesville, N.C., he attended Pfeiffer University and then was drafted into the Army in the fall of 1965. In April of 1967, he earned his flight wings at Ft. Rucker, Ala. with the class of 66/23-67/1. He went to Vietnam in October 1967 where he was a scout for the 3/17 Cavalry serving with the Robin Hood unit. While in Vietnam, Gary was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and other Vietnam and Army aviator awards. After leaving Vietnam in December of 1968, he then did a tour of Korea. He left the active Army in 1973 and joined the Army Reserves. While in the reserves, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College. Gary retired as a Major in 1993 with 28 years of service. He reconnected with fellow aviators when he joined the National Association of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and became a life member. Gary was an aviator to the end.

Gary earned an Executive MBA Degree from Queens University in Charlotte, N.C., that furthered his career in data systems, which brought him to Abingdon, Va. as a project manager for KVAT Food Systems. He retired from there in 2010. During his time in Abingdon, Gary served on the planning commission for the Town of Abingdon and helped form Abingdon Main Street where he served time as president of the board and created the “wolf project” to promote tourism. Gary and his wife, Susan, served as Presidents of the Virginia Highlands Festival for two years where he served on the MAPS committee plus the Fine Arts committee. He was an advisor to The Holston Mountain Artisans. On Sundays, Gary sang in the contemporary service of Abingdon United Methodist Church and served on the church council as chairman for two years. He loved to attend the Barter Theatre with Susan and they became patrons. Gary had a passion for the arts.

Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Mann Kimbrell, of the home; daughter, Lorraine Patterson Mixson and husband, Kevin; granddaughter, Elizabeth Patterson; and grandson, Nathan Patterson of Savannah, Ga. Gary is also survived by his brother, Tom Kimbrell and wife, Linda, of St. George, Utah; plus several nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins. Gary will be missed by his Weimaraners, Abby and Savannah.

Gary will be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 East Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210, with the Rev. Robert Countiss officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be the Ft. Rucker flight class of 66/23-67/1 and the North Carolina chapter of the VHPA. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please give to one of Gary’s favorite charities or to your favorite one.


Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Gary McRoy Kimbrell is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).