Gary Allan Switzer Jr., 61, of Albertville, Alabama, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 18, 2026, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, children, and siblings.
Gary was born on March 15, 1965, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Gary A. Switzer Sr. and JoAnn Switzer.
Gary married the love of his life, Faith, on May 1, 1991, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and lasting friendships. Over the past 35 years, they created a home filled with laughter, hospitality, and countless memories shared with the people they loved most. Gary graduated from West Vigo High School in 1983 and went on to attend DePaul University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He later continued his education at Indiana State University, earning a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. Gary proudly served his country in the Marine Corps, carrying with him the discipline, loyalty, and quiet strength that became hallmarks of his life. He went on to dedicate more than 30 years to Sanmina, serving in multiple areas and positions, with his most recent position serving as Senior Vice President – Global ESG & Operations before retiring on July 31, 2026. Although he accomplished much professionally, Gary’s greatest pride was always his family. He and Faith loved opening their home to family and friends, creating a place where people felt welcomed, cared for, and at ease. Gary especially enjoyed time on the golf course with his brothers and lifelong friends, where the fellowship mattered just as much as the game. Those who knew Gary will remember his steady presence, generous heart, deep love for his family—especially his grandchildren—and the simple joy he found in being surrounded by the people who meant the most to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gary and JoAnn Switzer; his paternal grandparents, Erman A. “Al” and Virginia M. Switzer; his maternal grandparents, Robert L. and Wilma Jo Woolley; his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Nagle; his father-in-law, Bennie Dykes; and his brothers-in-laws, Kim Kesler, Monty Smith and Gary Yancey Adam Dykes.
Gary leaves behind a devoted wife and a family who loved him deeply, including his four children, Sarah Switzer, Stephen Switzer (Teresa), Seth Switzer, and Skylar Switzer (Shyanne); and his grandchildren, Raegan Switzer, Ezra Switzer, Lucas Henderson, Mary Evelyn Henderson, and Warren Switzer. He is also survived by his siblings, Christi Deal (Russell), Carrie Kesler, Doug Switzer (Missy), Michelle Blair (Don), and Andrew Switzer (Darla); his sisters-in-law, Deanne “Dee” Daugherty and Sherry Anya Lynn Moore; along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who were truly like family. Among them was Janet Gardner Herman, a lifelong friend who was more like a sister to Gary and who selflessly donated one of her kidneys to him in 2024 as a life-saving gift. Gary was also blessed by the deep love and lifelong friendship of Steve and Sandy Tesney, Raymond and Sonya Shell, Mike and Tina Fairbanks, Shawn and Teresa Cooley, as well as many others he deemed part of his Alabama family.
A service honoring Gary’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 26th, at Albertville Memorial Chapel, 5011 US-431, Albertville, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until the time of service. Pastor Chris Bashaw will officiate.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Gary’s memory to the American Kidney Fund, the American Diabetes Association, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. After receiving a kidney transplant that gave him precious additional years with those he loved, Gary came to deeply appreciate the importance of compassionate care, medical research, and helping others. A proud veteran, he also valued service, sacrifice, and dedication to country. Contributions made in his honor will continue that legacy of hope, perseverance, and service to others.
• American Kidney Fund: https://www.kidneyfund.org/get-involved/make-donation
• American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/
Online condolences may be shared at albertvillememorialchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Albertville Memorial Chapel.
