Coach Gary York

Mr. Lavis Gary York “Gary”, age 76, of Rome, GA, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at his residence.

Gary was born July 7, 1944, in Cartersville, GA, son of the late Lavis Cleon “Lou” York and Maggie Irene Key York. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his son, Gary Tyler “Ty’ York.

Gary was educated in the Floyd County school system and at Darlington School. He received his bachelor’s degree from University of West Georgia. Gary was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the mid 1960’s and played for them for 6 years. After Pro Ball he returned to Rome where he coached and taught for a number of years. He later returned Professional Baseball as a Scout for Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and finished his Pro Ball career with Detroit Tigers.

Gary is survived by his wife, Teresa Hamilton York, whom he married February 11, 1972; granddaughter, Clara York; a forever daughter-in-law, Alice Mathis Stephens; brother-in-law, Mike Hamilton and his wife, Dr. Sue Hamilton; Mother-in-law, Clara Corine Hamilton; niece, Leigh Gregory and her husband, Sean; and his “adopted” family, Krige and Caron Schabort, and their children, Daniel, Simon and Sarah. Many special cousins and other relatives and friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at 3:00 at Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Coker Road, Rome, GA, 30161. Family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Gary Graves will officiate with remarks from Milt Travis, Albert Watters, Krige Schabort and Sam Sprewell. Special seating will be reserved for his Golf Gang, and fellow coaches and former athletes (men and women) that he coached.

In lieu of flowers, Teresa requests memorial contributions be made to Model High School Baseball program, 3252 Calhoun Road, Rome, GA, 30161, in honor of Coach Gary York.

Salmon Funeral Home will be in charge of the service for Gary York.