Gary Wayne Souder, 75, of Rockingham, VA passed away on February 25, 2024 at his home. He had courageously managed significant health issues for many years.

Gary was born October 22, 1948 in Harrisonburg, VA to the late Gordon and Tressie Grimsley Souder. He and his two brothers, Donald and Richard, were Eagle Scouts. He graduated from Broadway High School in 1967. He played football for the Gobblers as an offensive guard and defensive tackle and was captain of the team his senior year.

He graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1971 with a degree in electrical engineering. He served at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax, VA from 1972 to 1974 as a supervisor of instruction in power generation. He was commended for assuming extra responsibilities and making significant contributions to his branch.

After discharge he worked as an electrical engineer in Broadway, VA. After several years he switched careers, becoming a commercial beekeeper. He sold his honey both wholesale and in local stores and shops. He readily responded to calls for help to capture bee swarms or remove bees from people’s homes.

He became a member of Zion Mennonite Church in 1980 where he assisted with Boys’ Club, taught children’s Sunday School, served on the Building Committee, and donated hundreds of hours providing engineering and electrical assistance. He served three times with Mennonite Disaster Service helping to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina.

His love of sports led him to start coaching girls’ softball in 1986 when his daughter was eight years old. He quickly learned that girls did not have the same resources as boys and dedicated much time to improving the local playing fields and to establishing the Strike Zone in Timberville. He helped many girls learn to pitch. He took pride in players as they moved on to high school and college softball. In addition to coaching girls every spring, he often coached rec league football in the fall.

Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karla Showalter Souder, son Edward Souder and wife Kimberly, daughter Kari May Souder, and brother Donald Souder. He delighted in his grandchildren Dillon Mitchell, Micah Curry, Lee Souder, and Damian Souder. He has one great grandchild, Liam Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Souder.