Gary Elmer Clair
Born May 16, 1952 in Fort Benning, GeorgiaPassed September 18, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Gary E. Clair was born on May 16th, 1952, at Fort Benning, Georgia. A man of many hats—engineer, architect, carpenter, artist, part time philosopher, and closeted political satirist — left this world on September 18, 2024.
Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother, Alfred and Lena Clair; his stepmother, Rosemary Clair; his sister, Cindy Clair; and his brother, Alfred Clair, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Stutler; his sister, Nancy (Matt) Kovack; his sister-in-law, JoAnn Clair; his (step)daughters, Tari Johnson, Jennifer (Matt) Dykins, and Rebecca Johnson, nieces Cindi Kovack and Nikki (Ben) Connors, as well as grandchildren Corinne, Nicholas, Katie, Sydney, Jimmy, Robyn, and Charlie, his beloved great-grandchild Levi, and many more family members and friends.
Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Gary went to work donning a suit and tie (yes, engineers wore suits back then), but after two months of corporate life he jettisoned the suit and fell back to the carpentry skills as a builder where he truly thrived.
Fiercely independent and never a fan of the 9 to 5 grind, Gary was as creative as he was unconventional. He had an undeniable gift for carpentry, building and remodeling houses, often dropping everything to take on a project for his family and friends.
It was during the restoration of an 1800s church and parsonage that Gary met the love of his life, Cindy. Together, they built not only a home but a life filled with adventure, laughter, creativity, and a deep bond that lasted as long and strong as any of Gary’s handmade creations.
Gary’s art was a reflection of his eclectic mind. His unique carvings, sculptures, and furniture pieces graced galleries across the country—except for that one time when the Akron Art Museum turned him down because he refused to rename a piece titled Reagonomics.
His generosity knew no bounds – whether through sharing his art and craftsmanship, to building a dollhouse for his nieces, a treehouse for his grandkids, or donating bone marrow that prolonged his brother’s life. He was a hero. He would also hate that I am calling him a hero.
A philosopher at heart, Gary could effortlessly engage in spirited debates, his perspective on life and death as profound as any great thinker. He was never one to shy away from an intelligent conversation or a chance to challenge the status quo.
Gary always brought fun, laughter, and excitement to every family gathering, whether it was bocce ball in the front yard, checkers at the beach, frisbee at the park, or one of his infamous card games. He came equipped with expertly crafted cheating skills—some might call it sandbagging, table talk, or gesturing. To family and friends, it’s best known as, “If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.”
Gary’s life was full of unique contributions and undeniable skill. His amazing mind, perspective, sense of humor, and genuine appreciation of nature will be missed deeply by those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Gary’s life, reflecting his unique spirit, will be held at a later date.
Special thanks to his family, friends, and the wonderful people at Vitas Hospice of Melbourne. Donations may be made to Vitas Hospice of Melbourne, Brevard County at https://vitascommunityconnection.org