Gary Charles Schonleber, beloved husband, father, and grandfather of Dahlonega, Georgia, age 89, died peacefully at home on August 3, 2026.

Born in Rochester, NY, he served for two years as an aviation boatswain's mate on the USS Randolph, marrying his sweetheart, Janet (Nederk) Schonleber, in 1958. His wife of 68 years survives.

Gary worked his way up through the communications industry, starting as a cable splicer apprentice for three years at Rochester Telephone Co in 1958, then as a cable splicer for twelve years, becoming the best at what he did. Recognized for his expertise and dedicated work ethic, he was promoted to outside plant engineer in 1970.

He spent fifteen years as a firefighter with the Egypt (NY) Volunteer Fire Department, work he adored and served with passion, serving as Fire Chief of a 60-member department from 1968-1969, and as President from 1976-1977.

In 1977, he joined Southern Bell in Atlanta, from which he retired in 1989. Upon retirement, Gary and Janet moved to Dahlonega and bought and operated Murrayville Hardware from 1992 to 1995. As a parishioner at St Luke's Catholic Church in Dahlonega since 1995, he served as an usher and a member of the parish council, oversaw building maintenance, spearheaded the 1997 church renovation, and volunteered at the local food pantry.

In his spare time, he landscaped and gardened, traveled, loved visits from his children and grandchildren, and watched his beloved Atlanta Braves.
Along with his wife, he is survived by children Deborah (William) Burton of Ocala, FL;
Loren Coward of Orlando, FL; and David (Tami) Schonleber of Acworth, GA; ten blood and step-grandchildren, and eighteen blood and step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, please visit Mr. Schonleber's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533.