Dr. Gary Lee Buterbaugh

August 1, 1945 - May 23, 2023

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

864-688-1600 |

Friday 6/2, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 |

Saturday 6/3, 11:00 am

Dr. Gary L. Buterbaugh, 77, of Rolling Green Village, Greenville, South Carolina, was called home to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

He was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania on August 1, 1945 to Milford and Betty Buterbaugh.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents and is survived by sisters, Bonnie (Charles) Houser of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and Amy (Elmer) Schulz of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Gary took great pride in his nephew, Adam (Melanie) Halsey and niece, Rebecca (Curtis) Berry, and enjoyed spending time with and spoiling his great nieces and nephew, Marissa, Dayton, Adalynn, Charlotte, Amelia, and Makenna. They will miss their “Uncle Gary” as he is irreplaceable.

Jesus Christ walked with Gary and was his best friend. Gary shared his love for his Savior everywhere he went. He supported mission work around the globe and visiting with his missionary friends was a particular joy. He traveled all over the world, lived in China for several months, and gifted his nephew and niece with overseas trips together they will never forget.

Gary’s love of music was known to all who knew him. He sang in choirs from the time he was a boy and loved singing “barbershop” with several groups. In addition to his gift of music, God blessed Gary with a talent for hospitality. He was never happier than when he could host and serve others, whether it was 2 or 200. Family, friends, and strangers were always welcome.

He was a 1963 graduate of Tyrone Area High School and a 1967 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His graduate studies in Computer Science were completed at Syracuse University. Gary earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 1993 from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught Computer Science at IUP for 30 years and served as department Chairman and President of the Senate. His IUP family was very important to him.

Family events were never complete without Gary present. His enthusiasm for life and genuine love and concern for his family will live on in the lifetime of shared memories.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The Celebration of Gary’s Life will take place on Saturday, June 3rd at 11:00 a.m. in the Southeast Chapel.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the “WATCH LIVESTREAM” button located on the main obituary page.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Gary with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

864-688-1600 | Map

Friday 6/2, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Order Flowers for Gary's Visitation

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 | Map

Saturday 6/3, 11:00 am

Order Flowers for Gary's Service

Dr. Gary L. Buterbaugh, 77, of Rolling Green Village, Greenville, South Carolina, was called home to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania on August 1, 1945 to Milford and Betty Buterbaugh. Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents and is survivedContinue Reading

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Gary was an inspiration to our Christian Businessmen's group. We will miss his generosity and insights.

You were always such a joyful and faith filled man now in the arms of Jesus.

Rays Of Solace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gary Buterbaugh by Don and Claire Hogan. Send Flowers

Gary was a great friend and loved the Lord with such joy. He served in so many capacities as a teacher, evangelist, friend. He was always ready to help in any way.

My sympathy to all who knew and loved Gary, esp. his family. He lived three doors from my husband and I and teased that, since we could see the lights in his living room, we knew everything he did. A "steady Eddie" kind of friend - always available if you had a need, sometimes recognizing a need before you did. His loving oven fed many and he could always be counted on to host gatherings for his neighbors at holidays. He could always be counted on to produce one's favorite pie or cake on one's birthday. I was pleased to be trusted with walking Gabe on occasion and looking in on him when Gary was away. I shall miss him in so many ways, but know he is where he wanted to be.

We attended the same church for many years in Indiana Pa. During one period we had experienced some times of financial problems. I am almost positive it was Gary who slipped a $20 bill into my coat pocket while it hung in the church lobby. He was very kind and caring to many. Rejoicing that he is with his Lord but will miss him here below.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathy to the family as Gary was a good friend and was an amazing man and friend to me. We served in the choir, the men's prayer group and Bible study together. His words of wisdom imparted to me will long be remembered. He contributed a lot to my life in the short time I got to know him and it was my pleasure whenever he was around. He will be missed, however I do know in our conversations that his faith was strong as he told me he would be ok if he met Jesus before me. What a strong statement of faith as he is now with his best friend, Jesus.

In loving memory of Gary,, our brother in Christ.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Gary Buterbaugh . Plant a Tree

Gary was such a fun person. As a Chautauqua volunteer he could be depended upon to sign up for everything he could possibly do. I loved the story that when he moved to Greenville he signed up to be an Uber driver just to learn his way around his new residence. He chauffeured almost every Chautauqua performer in the last few years and he took such good care of them with great flair and care. Onward and upward good friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.