It was a cool autumn morning when God looked down and saw your tired face and said Gary it is time to bring you home so that you are no longer in pain or suffering so on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2014, Gary Paul Rhoderick, 59, of Hagerstown, MD, formerly of Frederick went home to be with his Lord and Savior after a lengthy illness. Born on June 11, 1955, Gary was the husband of Debra Jean Gastley Rhoderick and the son of David (Icey) Rhoderick and the late Ruth Devilbiss Rhoderick. Gary and Debra would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 27. Gary graduated from Frederick High School in the class of 1973. He worked for Montgomery County in the Sign Shop for 31 years until his illness forced him to retire. In addition to working for Montgomery County he also worked part-time at the Village Lanes Bowling Alley for over 10 years and loved working at the Great Frederick Fair with his brother Ike for over 10 years. Gary was an avid New York Yankee's fan and a Green Bay Packer fan. Before his illness Gary loved to bowl and passed his skills and love of bowling on to his daughters and grandchildren. He loved to spend time with his devoted wife, Debra, two daughters, Michelle and Melissa, his son-in-laws, Keith and Doug and his five grandchildren. During his younger years, Gary played first base for the Optimist Team at East Frederick Little League, and then moved on to Babe Ruth playing for the Kiwanis. After Babe Ruth he played softball for Donald B. Rice Tire Company at Pine Cliff. Gary also coached in the National Little League with his brothers Ike and Mike from 1979 - 1983 where they won several league championships and several city championships. When his daughters were old enough to play fast pitch soft ball he started to coach his daughters and even umpired some of the games until the one time his daughter Melissa was catching and he took a ball to the shin because Melissa moved out of the way of the ball. He then retired from umpiring. Gary's whole life revolved around the love of his family. He loved to watch Sanford and Sons and Judge Judy and tried to never miss a New York Yankee game or watching his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. In addition to his wife Debra and father Icey, Gary is survived by two daughters, Michelle Haller and husband, Keith, and Melissa Owens and husband Doug, five grandchildren, Zachary Owens, Matthew Haller, Derek Haller, Cameron Owens and Casey Haller. He is also survived by two brothers, Ike Rhoderick and wife Cheri and Mike Rhoderick and wife Lynn, his Aunt Alice (Hap) Keeney, a number of nephews, nieces, and cousins as well as many in-laws. Besides his mother Ruth, Gary was predeceased by his grandparents, Harriet Rhoderick, George and Elsie Devilbiss, his father and mother-in-law, John and Phylis Gastley, 2 brother-in-laws and a number of aunts and uncles. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and care givers that helped to take care of Gary during his lengthy illness. Gary is at the Keeney Basford Funeral home where viewing will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday, September 28 and the funeral will be at 1:00 on Monday, September 29, with the Rev. Tim May officiating. Gary will be buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the charity of your choice.
