Gary Easterly Honaker

Gary Easterly Honaker, 84, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at LMC Carroll Campbell Place on October 5, 2026. Born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee, he was the son of Robert Christian Easterly Honaker and Carrie Evidene Honaker.

Gary was blessed with two wonderful parents and a great brother. While growing up, he developed lifelong friendships that carry on to this day. One of his greatest pleasures over the years was returning to Greeneville to spend time with friends who he considered as close as family.

Gary graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Mathematics. He then entered the US Army and was stationed in Korea. It was during this time that he whisked his beloved, Jane, to Tokyo, Japan, where they were married and spent their honeymoon. Following his discharge from the military, Gary began working for Eastman Chemical as a systems analyst. After three decades, he retired from Eastman and then returned a few years later to work at the Eastman Credit Union. Following the births of his grandchildren, Gary accepted his final and favorite job - becoming the world’s best grandfather, a position that brought him limitless joy.

Gary possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and learning. His Christmas wish lists often included books on physics and advanced mathematics. He even built a two-tiered retaining wall and two brick entry gates after reading a Time-Life Book on masonry. In his later years, Gary took great pride in being a founding member of the “Nerd Club” at his senior living community.

Gary deeply believed in doing everything with integrity and giving his best effort. He was as honest as they come and a true friend. Above all, he was a loyal and loving husband, a strong and protective father, and a deeply devoted and ever-present grandfather.

Gary is survived and missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jane Griffin Honaker; daughter Mary Beth Lamey; granddaughter, Kathryn Lamey; and grandson, Patrick Lamey. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Honaker, and brother, Ronald Edwin Honaker.

Gary’s family would like to acknowledge the remarkable team at LMC Carroll Campbell Place and thank them for the tremendous care, compassion, and support they provided.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Smith Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice in Gary’s memory.