Gary Coleman Jennings

Gary Coleman Jennings, 73, of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved family surrounding him on September 25, 2016.  He was born in Sylacauga, AL on July 24, 1943 to the late Gary Holt Jennings and Laura Coleman Jennings.

Gary graduated from Weogufka High School, AL and University of Montevallo, AL.  He earned a degree in medical technology and a Master in clinical pathology, majoring in chemistry from University of Alabama at Birmingham.  He also worked as a research associate in developing new biochemical technical procedures at UAB.  He continued his education at University of Florida in Gainesville, majoring in curriculum and instruction in health related professions.  Upon moving to Morganton, North Carolina in 1977, Gary worked as the Dean of Health Sciences at Western Piedmont Community College.  He retired in 2005.

Gary is survived by his loving wife and best friend of fifty-two years, LaNelle Jennings; daughter, Leslie Jennings Braswell and husband, Stewart of Taylorsville, NC; and son, Robert Jennings of Greenville, NC.  He is also survived by sister-in-law, Brenda Payton; niece, Ellen Griffitt and husband, Wade; special great-nieces, Payton and Averie who affectionately called him “G”; and several cousins in the Jennings and Coleman family, especially his first cousins, Joan Williams and Butch Jennings.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Willie Nell Payton.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral service and burial will be held in Alabama.

Alabama services: The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Unity Presbyterian Church in Weogufka with the Reverends Charles Sims and Jim Shaw officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 8780 Co Road 56, Weogufka, AL  35183.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the local arrangements. Curtis & Son Funeral Home in Weogufka, Alabama is assisting the family with arrangements in Alabama.