Poet, painter, and great storyteller, Gary Moats was born in Nashville, Tennessee on a hot summer day. He grew up there with his parents and big brother and attended Montgomery Bell Academy (class of 1968). His gift of humor led him to make lifelong friendships. Many were made at the University of Tennessee where he earned a degree in Communications. He found his love of advertising sales at The Daily Beacon where he was successful. He continued to support the Volunteer sports teams until his passing.
After graduation, he continued this success at The Tennessean newspaper. He was named Salesperson of the Year in 1980 and a received a Distinguished Sales Award from the SME of Nashville. Later success in print media in Nashville and Knoxville led him to Birmingham where he continued to win sales awards from the Birmingham News. He retired from The News after 25 years of service. He found great joy in retirement following his daughter’s activities and in working as an usher for the Birmingham Barons baseball team. In everything he did, he continued to make more friends and regale them with his humorous stories.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Edwin W. Moats and Eddith S. Moats, and by his cousin Michael Stanley. He is survived by his brother Edwin W. Moats, Jr., his wife Carol Moats, daughter Deborah Gaddes (Jeffrey), grandson John Mark Gaddes, and sister-in-law Susan Brummett (James). He also leaves behind nephews Andy Moats (Shelley) and Jeffrey Moats (Sarah), and cousins Cindy Stanley (Tony), Caroline Stanley, and William Stanley. His canine companion Millie will miss their daily walks. His many friends from Nashville, Birmingham, and beyond will miss his ability to tell a good story and laugh at himself.
A memorial service will be held Saturday January 21st at 2 PM, preceded by visitation at 1PM at Legacy Funeral Home, Madison, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Madison Methodist Church, 127 Church Street, Madison, Alabama 35758 or to The Michael Stanley Child Life Fund, 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215.
