Gary A. ‘Butch’ Bumgardner

Gary A. Bumgardner, better known as “Butch,” age 64, of Clinton, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 28.

Butch was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who adored his grandchildren. Butch was a man who lived by his beliefs every day and was the glue that held the family together. His family said any time you needed someone, he was the true confidant you could always count on.

He was a great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor, which he used often by pulling pranks. Mr. Bumgardner was a long time educator for the Anderson County school system, where the last three years of his career was spent as the principal of Fairview Elementary, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Bumgardner, and brother, Johnny Lynn Bumgardner.

Butch is survived by his father, John Bumgardner of Clinton; wife of 20 years, Gwen Bumgardner of Clinton; daughters, Suzanne and B.J. Carson, of Coalfield, and Christin Bumgardner, of Philadelphia, Tenn.; sons, Mark and Jenny Books, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Jon and Vicky Books, of Sycamore, Ill.; grandsons, Colt Carson, of Coalfield, and Erik Books, of Sycamore, Ill.; granddaughters, Cailyn Carson of Coalfield, and Eloise Books, of Sycamore, Ill.; sisters, Linda and Bob Jandzinski, of Johnson City, Kathy and Jim (Poppy) Cardwell, of Clinton; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews and special friend, Sue Rhodes, of Clinton.

Butch’s family will receive friends Tuesday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary, with his funeral service to follow at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Robbie Leach officiating. His interment will be Wednesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant View Baptist Church Cemetery. Honorary pall bearer will be Colt Carson, and pall bearers will be Jon Albright, Chris Albright, B.J. Carson, Mark Evans, Mark Books, and Dale Bates. A celebration of life for Butch will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to the Christin Leigh Bumgardner trust fund.

His family would like to thank all medical personnel and the ALS association.

Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmortuaryllc.com.