Gary Alfred McLeod, age 65, a native of Leakesville, MS, and resident of Fairhope, AL, passed away Monday, February 22, 2010. Gary McLeod was a deeply loved and honored father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, so universally loved in fact, that he was known as "the Governor." His innate favor with people, his favor with natural resources gave him a place of leadership amongst his family and community whom he loved to bring together. Often this was the setting for his authentic way with a story and a captivated audience. With a sense of fun, love of good food and an extraordinary way with children, he made family gatherings all the more bright. His love of the land and adventurous spirit took his business all over, even as far as Fiji where he was developing land and making dear friends. Also known as ""Hossfly"" by many who loved him, and "Bula"" by his friends in Fiji, his life was the definitive example of a man who truly never met a stranger, graciously expressed in his firm, warm, lingering handshake. He lived his life wide open. He was the youngest of 4 sons in a family of 8 children of the late Woodie and Annie McLeod.

Preceded in death by brother: Robert D. McLeod "Bobby", sister: Drucie McLeod Dodd. He is survived by his 3 sons: Kevin McLeod (Laurel) of Leesburg, VA, Joseph Woodie "Jody" McLeod of Beaumont, TX, Jeff McLeod of Nashville, TN, and beloved friend: Shelly Parish of Fairhope, AL. 3 grandchildren: Iain, Hannah, and David McLeod, 2 brothers: Ronald H. McLeod (Genell) of Mobile, AL, Stacey McLeod (Sandra) of Leakesville, MS, 3 sisters: Barbara McLeod Schultz (Tom) of Jackson, MS, Linda McLeod Moessner (Harry) of Brentwood, TN, Libby McLeod Garraway (Duke) of Jackson, MS, Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation Thursday, February 25, 2010, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope. Funeral services at Fairhope United Methodist Church on Friday, February 26, 2010, at 9:00 am. Second service at 2:00 pm at Vernal Presbyterian Church in Greene County, MS. Mr. McLeod will lie in state from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Greene Cemetery in Leakesville, MS.
Published in Press-Register from February 25 to February 26, 2010