Gary Paul Vallandingham lived a wonderful life with his family and passed away on March 16, 2025. Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Vallandingham; daughters Kara Clary (Matthew Clary) and Kelli Essenpries (Robert Essenpries); and his three grandsons, Ethan Clary (Kaitlyn Clary), Elliot Clary, and Emery Clary.
Gary was born in Hollywood, California, on April 25, 1943. He grew up in Renton, Washington, with his parents, Paul and Margaret Vallandingham. He graduated from Renton High School in 1961. Gary served a short time in the Marine Corps Reserves. He married Sharon in December 1964. During their 60 years together, they raised two daughters and were blessed with three grandsons.
Gary moved to Yelm in 1976 to manage a family business, Jayhawks Inc. He continued his retail career working for the Tahoma Valley Golf Course and Sunbirds Shopping Center. Gary knew everyone in Yelm when Yelm was still small. He loved golfing with friends and was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed boating, fishing, crabbing, and shrimping on Hood Canal.
Gary was a dedicated family man who attended every sporting event his daughters or grandsons competed in or participated in. He will be missed by so many who were lucky to call him family or friend.
There will be a celebration of life service for him on Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m. at the Lake Lawrence Lodge. Arrangements are provided by Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
