Alec “Gary” Harthcock, 60, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Thursday, March 15, 2018, surrounded by his children and family after a 5-year battle with cancer.
Gary attended Newton High School followed by a football scholarship to East Central Junior College. He then attended The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business. He was a lifelong MSU fan.
After college, Gary developed a love of traveling while working as a surveyor on the pipeline. He eventually settled down working for The Mississippi Department of Employment Security for 25 years before retiring. He had many hobbies all of which were outdoors. Gary loved gardening, fishing, and golfing. He loved to joke and had a unique sense of humor that gained him friends everywhere he went. He was a loving father and made a strong positive impression on each of his three children.
His strength throughout multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy was inspirational. He never complained and focused on spending time with his family and friends. He took great comfort in his faith and reading the Bible. He was happiest with family, in the garden, or on the pier in Gulf Shores with some ham sandwiches and sweet tea catching king mackerel with his son.
Gary is survived by his children Jessie (Michael) Haley of Bolton, Ashley Harthcock of Nashville, Tenn. and Jake Harthcock of Madison; three siblings, Tommy Jr. (Suzanne) Harthcock of Newton, Patti Simmons of Foley, Ala., and Jane Harthcock of Newton; nieces and nephews, Tommy Harthcock III of Starkville, Shelby Harthcock of Ocean Springs, and Tiffany (Peter and son Graham) Hillerman of Alpharetta, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Delia (2012) and Tommy Harthcock Sr. (March 2018)
Visitation will be at 1-3 p.m. Saturday March 24 followed by a memorial service from 3-4 p.m. at Newton United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left online at newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.
