Gary Ross Ealey, age 73, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1953, in Sparta, Tennessee. Gary was the son of Malcolm Patterson Rice England and Joyce Hensley England. He was raised in Cookeville, Tennessee, where he developed the strong work ethic, kindness, and determination that would define his life.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he worked for TVA and other contractors as an electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In 1985, he pursued his entrepreneurial dream by founding Ealey Construction Company, where he built not only homes, commercial, and industrial buildings, but also a reputation for honesty, quality craftsmanship, and integrity.
A resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, for more than 50 years, Gary was deeply committed to his community. During his time in business, he was active in the Noon Sertoma Club and the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served for 12 years on the Board of Directors of Shoreline Towers in Destin, Florida, where he enjoyed contributing to the community he loved.
Gary had a passion for life and embraced every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, fishing, motorcycles, and making lasting memories with family and friends. Known as the life of the party, Gary never met a stranger. His warm smile, generous spirit, and willingness to lend a helping hand made him a cherished friend to many. He was always there for others, offering support, encouragement, and laughter whenever it was needed.
Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Michele Kirkpatrick Ealey; his son, Gary Lynn Ealey (Susan Pratt); his daughter, Meagan Elizabeth Ealey (John Clayton Batchelor); his cherished granddaughter, Ellyn Marie Ealey; his adored grandson, Luke Emerson Batchelor; his half-brother, Dan Ealey; and Dr. Raymond Wesley, a lifelong friend who was considered family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm Patterson Rice England; his mother, Joyce Hensley England Ealey; his sister, Patricia England Campbell; his brother, Louis Dale England; and his stepfather, R. D. Ealey.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, generosity, and friendship. His life touched countless people, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he will be deeply missed, his laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends will never be forgotten.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 23rd at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville with Cecil Boswell officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Hermitage Memorial Gardens with Ed Crowley, Keith Brown, Abe Gaskins, Bob Patrick, Neil Ciangi, and Lynn Ealey serving as pallbearers. Dr. Raymond Wesley will be honorary pallbearer. Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 22nd from 4:00-8:00 PM and Thursday, July 23rd from 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Keith Brown and Kathy Patrick for the compassionate care, unwavering support, and kindness they showed Gary during his final days. Their friendship, generosity, and presence brought great comfort to Gary and his family and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.
Arrangements entrusted to Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075. 615-265-8535, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com.
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This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville.
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