Gary Tyre

Gary Lawton Tyre, aged 84, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1941, to the late John Wade Tyre and Lola Mae Shadron Tyre.

Gary was married to his wife of 61 years, Mary Anne Ames Tyre. He was father to Sadie Silva (Ariel) of Falls Church, Virginia, Eva Arbour (Dave) of Buford, Georgia, and John Tyre (Kelly) of Watkinsville, Georgia, and grandfather to Gabriel, Levi, Michael, Elizabeth and Ella.

Gary grew up in Waycross, Georgia, alongside his two brothers Ronald Wade (deceased) and John Thomas. Gary graduated from Waycross High School and went on to earn his PhD in Forestry at the University of Georgia. He spent his career with the government first with the US Forestry Service, then the Soil and Water Conservation service.

A gifted carpenter, Gary spent much of his time outside of work building furniture and renovating homes. He was also an avid gardener (he never met a daylily he didn’t like). He loved creating new beds of flowers all around the house, and planting vegetables in the summer months.

Gary also pursued business interests outside of his government career. As Mostly Sunny Christmas Tree Farm he grew and sold Virginia pines to put his daughters through college. He also had a centipede and zoysia sod business, and in his later years he became interested in timber land.

One of Gary’s favorite places to spend time if not on the farm, was Fernandina Beach, Florida. He enjoyed crabbing off the bridge in Nassau Sound, people-watching with a cup of coffee on Centre Street downtown, and sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch with a cigarette, sweet tea and a book.

Gary also had three wonderful caregivers who took care of him over the last few years. Brandie Rucker, Melanie Smith, and Makensley Bridges treated him like he was their father, and he adored them. The family cannot express enough thanks to these ladies for their dedication to Gary.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced later.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.