After earning a Bachelor’s in Forestry and serving in the utility forestry industry, Gary felt God’s call to shepherd His people. In 2024 he completed a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Liberty University, and later that year the Lord led him to serve as pastor of Old Du Quoin Baptist Church.

Gary and his wife, Veronica, make their home in Old Du Quoin with their young son, Nathaniel. A Southern Illinois native who spent most of his life in Murphysboro, Gary carries a deep love for this region and its people. His prayer and passion are that the people of Southern Illinois would come to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ and experience the joy of glorifying Him in every part of their lives.