William Gary Lathan

William Gary Lathan, 82, of Mount Holly, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 10, 2026, following a battle with dementia. Known by many names: Gayro, Gary, Willie G., Tiny, son of the late Coleman and Miriam Lathan, was proudly raised in Mount Holly.

Gary graduated from Mount Holly High School, served in the Air Force, and went on to Belmont Abbey College, class of 1970. From there he built a career as an accountant with Bechtel - an unlikely path that somehow routed a country boy through Saudi Arabia, Alaska, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, and sent him home each time with a new stack of stories and a growing list of people he'd made lifelong friendships with.

From an early age he had a talent for mischief, a twinkle in his baby blues, and a belly laugh that usually showed up before the apology did. He was a rascal, but a sweet one - a teddy bear beneath it all. He never met a road trip he couldn't detour or a friend he wouldn't drop in on unannounced. He shepherded a whole generation of kids through adventures they would never forget - Disneyland, putt-putt, fine dining and Kate's Skating Rink. 

He made lifelong memories for people well beyond his own circle, too. Once, walking in New York City on Christmas, he was stopped by a child, mouth open, staring up at a white-bearded man with a belly: "Mom, it's Santa!" Gary looked the kid dead in the eyes and replied, jollily, "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas." That was Gary's gift - he'd hand you a story you'd tell for the rest of your life.

He loved this world and being out in it with people he cared about - from the stands of a baseball game, to a chair at Jones', to a barstool at The Sports Page. If he was listening to you, he remembered everything: the small details, the thing you'd mentioned once in passing that you didn't think anyone had caught. He was a devoted friend who showed up, often uninvited and always welcome.

In recent months Gary faced dementia with his usual stubbornness, right up until the disease had other plans. They say with dementia you lose a person twice: months ago, it took the person we knew him to be. On July 10, came his final farewell.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Stanley Total Living for the compassion and dedication they showed Gary. They also wish to thank Melanie Jones, Siri Clark, Madeline Ferrell, Susan Hess, Gene Harris and Nick Featherstone. Gary was beyond lucky to have their support, and the family is forever thankful for their love, care, humor and endless patience.

He is survived by his daughters, Lucy Lathan and Katy Lathan Reid and her wife, Lauren; grandchildren Flynn and Margo; ex-wife Linda Lathan, his forever emergency contact; brother Al Lathan and his wife April; sister Anne Howey and her husband Robert; nieces and nephews, kin, friends, ex-girlfriends, and his donkey, Cletus.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday August 1, 1-4pm at The Sports Page in Denver. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you honor Gary's memory the way he'd have wanted: go on an adventure.

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