Gary Lavan Monie, Sr.

Gary Lavan Monie, Sr., passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on July 5, 1940, Gary lived a life marked by faith, perseverance, service, generosity, and a deep love for his family and community.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Helen Wicker Monie, who passed away on May 6, 2025. Their long marriage was a treasured part of his life, and they shared a lasting bond built on love, faith, and devotion to family.

He is survived by his children, Margaret “Meg” Womack and her husband, Vernon; Joy Wargo and her husband, Todd; and Gary Lavan “Van” Monie, Jr. and his wife, Darlene. He is also survived by his adopted son, Matthew Monie, and Matthew’s son, Mattie.

Gary was the proud grandfather of Bethany Federico and her husband, Sushant Thapa; Zachary Federico; Ryan Monie; Journee Ballenger; and Olivia Wargo. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Freyja Ballenger.

He is further survived by his brother, Roy Monie and his wife, Johnnie; his sister, Sharon Crutchfield; and many other family members, friends, church family, and members of the community whose lives he touched.

For more than 30 years, Gary faithfully served as pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Pomaria, South Carolina. He devoted much of his life to sharing the Gospel, caring for others, and guiding and encouraging those entrusted to his ministry. His faith was not limited to the pulpit; it was reflected in the way he lived and in the practical care he offered to people around him.

In 1994, Gary suffered a devastating accident that many believed should have taken his life. Through extraordinary determination, faith, and perseverance, he learned to walk, talk, and function independently again. His recovery was a remarkable testimony to his strength and refusal to give up. He faced the challenges before him with courage and continued to live a life of purpose and service.

Gary had a generous and caring spirit. If he saw a need, he worked hard to meet it. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer his time, or use his abilities to help someone else. Many people were blessed by his quiet acts of kindness, his service, and his commitment to his community.

An Army veteran who loved his country, Gary also served for many years in the South Carolina State Guard as a Chaplain and Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), helping and supporting his community. His dedication to service was an important part of who he was.

Gary enjoyed working with his hands and had a special talent for tinkering with engines. He could see potential where others saw little value and had a gift for making something out of nothing. Whether repairing, rebuilding, or creating, he found satisfaction in solving problems and bringing things back to life.

Gary will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; faithful pastor; veteran; servant; and friend. His life was a testimony to resilience, hard work, faith, and compassion. The legacy he leaves is found not only in the lives of his family, but also in the many people he served, encouraged, helped, and blessed throughout the years.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the faith he preached and lived, and in the enduring impact of a life devoted to God, family, church, and community.

A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, 416 Denham Avenue, West Columbia, SC  29169.  The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 noon, followed by the memorial service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grace Baptist Church Missions Fund.