Gary Lee Studdard's Obituary
Gary Studdard
Gary L. Studdard, age 64, of Highland California passed away June 25, 2008, after an extended battle with cancer. Gary was born August 28, 1943, in Cassville, Missouri and lived most of his younger years in Texas and the Southwest U.S. He graduated from Ozona High School, Ozona, Texas in 1962. He then attended East Texas State University for four years where he was Vice-President of the Student Body, Who’s Who Among Students in Colleges and Universities, Vice-President of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Commander of the Air Force R.O.T.C Program, and was awarded the President Gee Memorial Trophy as the Distinguished R.O.T.C Graduate of 1966.
Gary was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force in August 1966, and immediately started Pilot Training. In September 1967, upon graduation from pilot training, he was assigned to the Air Force’s first-line fighter jet, the F-4E Phantom. After aircraft qualification, he was assigned to Thailand from 1968 ~ 1969 to fly missions in the Vietnam conflict. In that year, he flew 201 combat missions and accumulated over 500 hours of combat flying time. He was recognized for his airmanship by being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
During the rest of his military career, he was stationed at, and traveled to, many A.F. bases in the United States and overseas including Spain, Turkey, Germany, England, Italy, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. Upon completion of his flying assignments, he was stationed at Norton AFB in the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center where he served five years as a Safety Project Manager for the F-4E Phantom. He then was transferred to March AFB, Southwest Air Defense Sector, as the assistant to the Commander. After serving 22 years, Gary retired in August 1988, as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot. His other distinguished awards were the Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Organizational Excellence Award, Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After retirement from the Air Force, Gary worked for the San Bernardino County Jobs and Employment Services Department where he served as a Line Supervisor, District Manager, and finally Regional Manager where he was responsible for five county offices and 300 employees. Gary was a boss that expected high standards and his favorite quotation was, “Being sharp is no part-time job.” After 13 years, Gary retired in December 2002, to spend more time with his family.
He leaves behind to mourn and cherish his memory his loving wife of 41 years, Patsy, who he met as a freshman at East Texas State University; his three much-loved daughters, Candace Studdard, Michelle Grossi, and Sherry Kelley; his two wonderful sons-in-law Daniel Kelley and Tony Grossi; and seven precious grandchildren: Joey Segura, Elaine Garcia, Gregory Valdivia, Melanie Valdivia, Jaida Kelley, Hailee Grossi, and Harlow Kelley. He also leaves behind his mother Ima Dean Studdard; his aunt Evelyn Studdard, and all of his Texas cousins.
Gary said he wanted to thank all of his friends and family who came out to celebrate his life. He said he learned something from everyone he met. He would like for you to envision him now flying his jet in full afterburner, pointing toward the heavens, waiting to pass through that last dark cloud, before breaking out into the sunlight and reaching out to touch the face of God.
Visitation will be Tuesday July 1st 2008 from 4-7pm at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel 1299 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday July 2nd at 10:00 at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 at Staging Area 1.
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