Gary C. McAvoy

Gary C. McAvoy, age 79 of Cardington, died peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after complications from a recent fall. Gary was born in Bolair, West Virginia on April 25, 1946, the second oldest of five children of the late Gorrell “Jack” and Hazel (Williamson) McAvoy. At a young age they moved as a family from Webster Springs, West Virginia, to Marion County and then to Cardington, where he attended school in Cardington (Class of 1965).

Gary (Big Mac) worked at the Whirlpool Corporation in Marion for forty years, until his

retirement in 2006.

In his younger days, Gary had a passion for coon hunting, camping, and fishing for Walleye with his wonderful friends at Turtle Creek Marina on Lake Erie. Gary was a loving Father and Husband. He especially loved his grandchildren, and he always enjoyed his time with them. He also had a great sense of humor and loved watching old Westerns on television.

Gary is survived by his wife Patricia (Dean) McAvoy. They shared 42 amazing years together. Working hard, raising their kids and appreciating life. They enjoyed visiting family and traveling to fun places and many States to include Alaska, California, Nevada, and Maine.

Left to cherish his memory are his five children: Jeff McAvoy, Jacqueline (Aaron) Waters, Jennifer (Denny) Snow, Dorman Parsons Jr. and Mark (Rebecca) Parsons; eight grandchildren: Emily (Chris) Price, Sarah Waters, Aspen (Breven) Scroggins, Keaton Snow, Jennifer (Jordon) Williamson, Janet (Steve) McCullough, Matthew (Kaycie) Parsons, and Nathan Parsons; eight great-grandchildren: Kadie, Markus, Sonny, Ryan, Jazmine, Alyssa, Ruby, Waylon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was proceeded in death by his brothers Jerry, Raymond, Roger, & Dana along with his son, Travis Parsons.

His family will greet friends from 4:00–7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Gompf Funeral Service, 440 Center Street, Cardington, Ohio 43315. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM with Celebrant LeAnne Gompf officiating. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cardington Fire Department, PO Box 10, Cardington, Ohio 43315.     

Gary was an organ donor and a recipient.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the McAvoy family. Condolences may be expressed to his family at www.gompffh.com.