Gary DeCou

Simplicity: Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services - Ladson

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Gary Lynn DeCou, born on May 1, 1950, son of the late Elston and Genevieve DeCou of Vassar, MI, entered the glory of heaven on July 24, 2024. Surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, Gary escaped the bonds of this earth and entered into the presence of the Lord he had served for 40 years. Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sally Rogers DeCou, his children, Steve DeCou (Amy) and granddaughter Sadie Jane of Suwanee, GA, Andy DeCou (Joy) of St Louis, MO and granddaughter Madelynne DeCou (Creed) and great grandson Hayes McCullough of Arlington, VA, Kristen DeCou Wilson (Scott) and granddaughter Katie and great granddaughters Charlotte and Mia Kate of N Charleston SC, and Amanda DeCou Hawkins (Dale), and grandchildren Nathan, Olivia, and Christopher of Newport, TN. Gary is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Cunningham of Saginaw MI, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by an infant grandson, McCollough Christopher DeCou, as well as parents Elston and Genevieve DeCou. Gary was born and raised on the Garner Rd homestead in Vassar, MI. where he spent his youth farming with his father. He met the love of his life, Sally Rogers, when they were both singing in a high school musical, “Kiss Me Kate.” Although Sally had to be convinced, Gary said he always knew she would be his life’s partner. Gary graduated from Vassar High School in 1968. He accepted a scholarship from Olivet College and began his football career. In 1970 Gary and Sally were married at Juniata Baptist Church, Vassar, MI, at the young age of 20. The newlyweds first lived in Lansing, MI where Sally was working and going to school. A short time later they moved to married housing at Olivet College where Gary played football and pursued a degree in biology. Later he would go on to pursue a master’s degree at Michigan State University, then Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. Following graduation from Olivet College in 1972, he accepted his first teaching and coaching position at Dryden High School, Dryden, MI. He later accepted the position of head football coach and varsity track coach at Caro High School, the archrival of his old alma mater. Those years were filled with wonderful memories for the entire family which now included four small children. Gary and Sally often reminisced fondly of the years during which their little ones were raised in the bleachers of various football fields. Gary valued all his teams, but those he respected most and loved beyond words were his Caro football and track teams. In 1979 he led these exceptional athletes to a championship season. Today these unique individuals, now grandparents themselves, still address “coach” with respect, gratitude, and loving messages. The common thread from former athletes and students is that Gary changed their lives. In both the classroom and on the field he coached to win, emphasizing life lessons that motivated students and athletes alike to reach for the stars. He was transparent about the mistakes he himself had made, and he encouraged them to seek Christ and avoid these pitfalls. It was these life lessons that students and players remember to this day. Throughout his career he taught young people to be productive, mature and independent-thinking adults. He was known and loved by his students for preparing them not just for their college years, but for the rest of their lives. During his years in Michigan, Gary also played semi-pro football for the farm team of the Detroit Lions. After two seasons of playing across from 300-pound tackles, Gary hung up his helmet and gave up the dream of becoming a professional football player. Joint replacements followed. At age 34, free-spirited Gary attended Caro Baptist Church under the loving ministry of Paster Lowell Grant. Gary accepted Christ as his Savior while at home with his wife, and his life was forever changed and his destiny was secure. While attending Caro Baptist, Gary served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. During this time Gary left teaching, and he and Sally bought and operated a bakery in Caro. When economic trouble intervened, Gary moved his family to Greenville, SC to finish his Master’s Degree at Bob Jones University. That move ultimately led him to teach science, biology, anatomy, and chemistry at Northside Christian School in N Charleston, SC. Gary and Sally have resided in Goose Creek, SC, since 2003. They are members of Crowfield Baptist Church. Gary will always be known for his love of travel and his visits to the beach with his family. When he was home with Sally, he happily joined her in repurposing her “ditch finds.” They were an unstoppable team. But mostly he will be remembered for his loving service to God, his wife, and his family. In later years Alzheimer’s robbed Gary of his memory, his dreams, and his pursuits. Today Gary is whole, his mind is clear, and he is in the presence of his Savior who forgave him and welcomed him into eternity.

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Gary DeCou Obituary | Altogether