On August 21, 1957, Gary Moffitt was born to James and Delores (Yaracs) Moffitt. He was welcomed by older brother Jimmy and an older sister, Nancy. Raised in his birth community, Gary attended Butler, Pennsylvania schools. In his spare time, he enjoyed anything and everything sports related. He played football, softball, and tennis. He also enjoyed being outdoors hunting or taking in views on the back of his motorcycle or snowmobile. In fact, it was on the back of a snowmobile that his life would forever be changed. This, when he asked Sherry Silk if she wanted to take a ride. Sherry, who was sitting with her, then, boyfriend said, “Yes!” The rest was pretty well history. The couple married on November 25, 1978 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Butler.
Following high school, Gary attended Youngstown State University and Butler Community College. He would find his niche in the Information Technology sector when he began a job with Electronic Data Systems or EDS. Although the company was bought and sold a few times (currently DXC Technology), Gary maintained employment with the same company for approximately 32 years. He also enjoyed working alongside his wife. Their work would move the family from Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina and eventually to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
‘Work to live’ might very well have been one of the rules Gary Moffitt lived by. His family was by far his most important treasure. A wonderful husband and father, Gary spared no expense creating lifelong memories for his family. This could be seen as they traveled to various amusement parks, embarked on cruises, hit the Vegas strip, or enjoyed Disney vacations. Closer to home, he was sure that his kids had it all in their backyard: a fort, a pool, motorcycles, and go-karts to name a few things. They also spent time boating and camping. When the weather wouldn’t allow, Gary could be found playing video games with his kids. There is no doubt that when grandchildren came on the scene, Gary found room to enjoy his role as ‘Pap’. With the addition of grandchildren, these trips and toys only grew! One of the latest additions to Gary’s collection was his golf cart which became known as ‘Pap’s Taxi’ around campsites.
With his children and grandchildren, Gary never missed a game or activity. It was said that as his kids played sports, Gary either served as coach or stood on the other side of the fence and contradicted the bad coaching. It didn’t matter what activity his kids, or grandchildren, were involved in, Gary could adapt. He coached or attended softball games, karate matches, guitar lessons, and even watched cheerleading. Cheerleading certainly didn’t hurt his feelings. It simply got him closer to football!
A huge Steeler’s fan, Gary may have bled black and gold. He was also quite active in his Fantasy Football League. If it wasn’t football, he would tune in to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins or Oklahoma City Thunder. Of late, he had also become an Oklahoma State fan.
Hard-working, caring, loving, and fun are words that describe Gary. He was also determined and strong. He demonstrated this as he fought separate health battles and continued to live his life to the fullest creating a rich legacy for his family to remember and emulate.
It was on Saturday, November 21, 2020 that Gary went home to be with the Lord. He was 63.
Gary was preceded in death his parents and his brother, Richard.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Sherry; children: daughter, Jenny Bell and husband, Chad; daughter, Heather Williams and husband, Michael and son, Gary “Bud” Moffitt and Ashley Johnson; grandchildren: Nathan, Mason, Bryson, Kynslee, Elijah, and Riley; his siblings: brother, Jimmy Moffitt and wife, Linda and sister, Nancy Murdock and husband, Mike. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gary’s family is planning a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, they would encourage you to honor Gary by donating to either: St. Jude's (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html) or to Skiatook Paws and Claws (https://www.skiatookpawsandclaws.com/donate).
Arrangements are under the direction of Bixby Funeral Service.
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