Mr. Garry Duran Puckett

Garry Duran Puckett, 61, born October 4, 1954 in Mecklenburg County to Mr. and Mrs. Derwood and Mary Puckett, passed away on April 9, 2016. Garry graduated from UNCC in 1976 with a degree in Chemistry. Garry worked for PPG Industries for 36 years in Lexington, NC and later in Shelby, NC. During his career, Garry was granted seven U.S. patents for his inventions in the textiles field. Garry also served the community through his involvement in BSA Troop 448. As a young adult he was a part of Troop 333 where he earned the Eagle Scout Award and Order of the Arrow. Once he joined Troop 448 as an adult he earned the Woodbadge Award and served as Woodbadge Staff. He served as Scoutmaster from 1992 until 1998. During that time he performed 39 Eagle Scout awards with well over forty active members. He led his troop on 1368 cumulative backpacking, biking and canoeing miles with 338 camping nights, and 417 service hours. Garry and his family attend First Baptist Salisbury for two decades where he served as a Trustee and Sunday School teacher. After moving to Shelby, Garry also served as a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist of Shelby for nearly ten years. Garry had many hobbies as well such as photography, chip carving, knife making, fly fishing and fly-tying. Garry and his wife enjoyed going on hikes throughout the mountains of North Carolina having already completed several sections hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Garry is survived by his wife of 37 years Diane Shelton Puckett; his three children Joseph and wife, Paige of Raleigh, NC, James and wife Xingyi of Gettysburg, PA, and Sarah Coombs and husband Gavin of Raleigh, NC; parents Derwood and Mary Puckett; his sisters Karen Garrison and Wendy Vandevere. Garry was the proud grandfather of four grandsons and expecting his first granddaughter. Memorial Services will be held, Thursday April 14, 2016 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church of Salisbury. Visitation will be Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 5-7pm at Summersett Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First Baptist Church 223 N. Fulton Salisbury, NC, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 799 Washington St. PO Box 807 Harpers Ferry, WV. 25425-0807 or donor’s choice.

Mr. Garry Duran Puckett

October 4, 1954 - April 9, 2016