Gary Wayne “Big Guy” Case, 78, passed away peacefully in his Utica home on Friday, April 25, 2025. He spent his final days surrounded by loving friends and family.
Gary was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, to Cletus Freeman and Gwendolyn Case on November 2, 1946. He spent his childhood in Buttonsberry and Utica, where he and his cousins mounted a campaign of terror against the local population. Gary made many fond memories detonating homemade explosives in downtown Utica, racing on Highway 140, and hosting unauthorized bonfires outside of Gholson’s Store.
After graduating from Daviess County High School in 1964, Gary set about building a family and career. In October 1969, he met Margaret Mair Howie and married her four weeks later on November 1, 1969. He spent fifty-five years happily married to Margaret, a feat that friends argue entitled Gary to a “Medal of Honor, or at least a Purple Heart.” Together, Gary and Margaret grew their family to include two children – Shannon Michelle and Gary Shane – and four grandchildren. After several years working construction in South Carolina and Tennessee, Gary took a job at Logan Aluminum and settled his family in Utica.
When Gary wasn’t working at Logan Aluminum, you could likely find him engaged in one of his many hobbies. Gary was an avid motorcycle rider, dragging Margaret on several trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. He also loved collecting and shooting guns and instilled this love in his family and friends, particularly his bonus sons Phillip Roberts, Brian Leath, and Chris Reed. Gary had little success when fishing, going through a decade-long dry spell during which neither he nor his grandchildren caught anything, but enjoyed the peace and quiet nonetheless.
Gary’s life is reflected in the family he created and the family that found him. He was a source of constant support for his wife, a guiding hand and trusted confidant to his children and grandchildren, and a steadfast friend. He offered counsel and support to anyone who needed it and entertained the masses with his quick wit and captivating stories. One would struggle to find another man who had such a profound impact on so many people.
Gary is survived by his wife, Margaret Howie Case; his son, Gary Shane Case; four grandchildren, Callum, Corbyn, Chloe, and Connor Case; and his sister, Betty Jane (Sam) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus Freeman and Gwendolyn Case, and his daughter, Shannon Michelle Case.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Jesus House Building Fund, 3830 KY-54, Suite 301, Owensboro, KY 42303.