Gary E. Graybill

Gary Ernest “Pappy G” Graybill, 70, of Richfield, bravely ended his battle with Parkinson’s Disease on January 10, 2026, and walked unencumbered into the loving arms of Jesus.

Born on January 7, 1956, at Sunbury Community Hospital, Gary was the second of eight children born to James and Ellen Graybill. Gary attended Middleburg High School. In 1974, he began his two biggest lifetime commitments: In February, he began his 44-year career at Wood-Mode. In November, he married the love of his life, Ann Rhoads. Together, they enjoyed 51 years of marriage marked by love, patience, kindness and making memories.

Gary enjoyed being outside, hunting, detailing cars, driving his Ford Mustangs and Farmall tractor, watching his beloved LA Dodgers, riding bike, collecting calendars and sale bills, antiquing, public sales, attending his grandson’s baseball games, and going out to eat. He also took pride in growing his hair out to donate to Children With Hair Loss and Locks of Love. More than anything, he enjoyed and cherished his family. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family.

Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife Ann of 51 years, are his daughters Heidi (Charles) Oldridge of Cornville, AZ, and Lori (Brent) Wesley of Lewisburg, his grandchildren Madison Mincevich and Brock Wesley, and devoted siblings Susan Reichenbach, Ted (Mary) Graybill, Bev (Joe) Kauffman, Mark (Linda) Graybill, Lucinda (Louis) Leclerc, and Melinda Graybill. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Doug Graybill.

Gary will be remembered for his infectious smile and beautiful green eyes, his love of food and insatiable sweet tooth, his sense of humor, his kind, generous heart, and his amazing bear hugs. Most importantly, Gary will be remembered as a man who passionately loved the Lord and his family, and was kind to all.

Although he was a lifelong resident of Richfield and well-loved by many, Gary became a local celebrity on August 18, 2025, when Parkinson’s dementia caused him to wander away from his home, and be missing in a cornfield for 72 hours. During this time, hundreds of people devoted time, money, and other resources that culminated in his miraculous recovery on August 21, 2025.

The family expresses their profound gratitude to every individual and agency who contributed to the search and rescue of Gary in August, including Richfield Fire and Ambulance League and Ladies Auxiliary, Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue Team, Penn State Life Lion, countless first responders and volunteers, as well as the caring staff at Geisinger Medical Center, Evangelical Community Hospital, and Geisinger Hospice. Lastly, the family also expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Richfield Healthcare and Rehab, for providing compassionate, loving care to Gary over the past several months. As a result of his rescue and top-notch care, the family was able to enjoy 142 bonus days with Gary.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Christian Union Church of Mt. Pleasant Mills, 5230 Route 104, with visitation from 9:00-11:00, services at 11:00, and a meal and fellowship in memory of Gary to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to Richfield Fire Company or the Church of the Open Door.

Arrangements by Hummel Funeral Home, 574 Hill Street, Middleburg.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary E. Graybill, please visit our floral store.