4340 Bonny Oaks Drive

Chattanooga, TN 37416

(423) 485-0911 www.CovenantFuneral.com (423) 485-0970 FAX

"REVERENCE, DIGNITY AND REASONABLE PRICES"

Garry DeLane Lish

After a sudden illness and a short hospitalization, Gary DeLane Lish passed away on his 65th birthday on August 16, 2026, after receiving medical care at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Gary was born on August 16, 1961 in American Falls, Idaho. He is the youngest of four boys, so he always enjoyed the benefits of being the baby in the family. He was always sweet and kind and comical. To those who knew him, he was mischievous, always "into something", and he could make you laugh, until your side hurt. To his family and friends, he was such a joy to their lives.

He was born to Edmund LaGrand Lish and Reba Juanita Queen. He is the grandson of Edmund L. and Fannie Smith Lish (paternal grandparents) and Herman Larime and Nell Vinia Roberts Queen (maternal grandparents). Gary's father was a man who worked road construction for the State of Idaho and who later joined the Navy, working as a "Sea Bee" (construction battalion), until the end of his military career. Consequently, Gary and his family often moved from place to place, living in several communities in Idaho, in Mississippi, and in Hawaii. In 1973 and near the end of his father's military career, the family settled in his mother's hometown of Sweetwater, Tennessee, so the boys could attend high school in one place. Gary attended Sweetwater High School from 1975 until 1979, where he made many friends and where he bonded with this wonderful community. After high school, Gary enlisted in the Army for the next four years. Upon discharge from military service, Gary returned to Sweetwater to live the remainder of his life. His mother's hometown became his hometown. Gary worked predominately in manufacturing, and he was employed over the years with several companies, mostly located in Loudon County, Tennessee. Gary enjoyed woodworking, and he was an avid collector of both coins and stamps. One of Gary's greatest sources of joy and entertainment was to just hang out and to spend time with his friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his longtime girlfriend (Karen), his mother, his father, both set of grandparents, and his brother (John). He is survived by his brother Edmund Lawrence Lish (Grace) of Dallas, Texas and his brother Kelly LaGrand Lish of Morristown, Tennessee, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gary had no children.

Interment will occur via a private family ceremony on August 27, 2026 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He will lie in a beautiful, picturesque, and tranquil place of honor, amongst many of his military comrades. As his soul passes from this earth, friends and family can take comfort knowing that his passing was both peaceful and dignified. Also know that so many within the Sweetwater community both touched his life and made a lasting impression on him, thus his desire to call Sweetwater his home.

The family wishes to thank all of those who have made inquiry to, communicated with, or prayed for our family, as we have walked this difficult journey since Gary's passing. Your thoughts and prayers, your kindness, and your loving consideration mean the world to each of us. We also wish to thank all of those who inquired about funeral or memorial services and those who wished to send flowers or gifts. It was Gary's desire that no public funeral or memorial service be conducted. Also, no flowers or gifts will be accepted. Please make any donations or gifts directed to the Disabled American Veterans (https://help.DAV.org) or to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Finally, the family wishes to thank all of the first responders and medical staff associated with Gary's care, especially during his final days. You took such wonderful care of Gary, and we greatly appreciate all of your valiant efforts, your investments of time, and your remarkable professionalism. There is no way to express to you how much all of that means to us. Thank you.

Arrangements entrusted to Covenant Funeral & Crematory; Crox family owned and operated, www.CovenantFuneral.com <http://www.CovenantFuneral.com>.

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