Gary Bechdol

Gary Evans Bechdol passed away on November 2, 2025 at home in his favorite chair and next to his rescue dog Ocho. Gary was born in Orlando, FL on February 5, 1947 to Nancy Josephine Evans and Ernest Ellsworth Bechdol. The family, including his sister Linda, moved to LaGrange, GA where Gary attended LaGrange High School. He faithfully kept in touch over the years with his 1965 graduating class.

Gary studied civil engineering at Georgia Tech and graduated in 1970. He worked for several public and private employers, focusing on railway engineering and safety projects in Philadelphia, Florida, and Atlanta. While studying in Atlanta, Gary started attending First Baptist Church of Decatur and joined the Pilgrims group. Thirty years later he rejoined the church after returning to Atlanta from Tallahassee with his wife, Melanie, and two children, Terrie and Greg.

Studying different books with the Pilgrims and singing in the choir would become lifelong joys. Outside of church, Gary enjoyed reading, sailing, model railroading, folk music, photography, and traveling the world. He supported his local dachshund rescue, volunteered weekly with the Southeastern Railway Museum, and loved watching soccer games (a habit that started when his kids played on high school and club teams). Gary's children and grandchildren were the lights of his life.

He is predeceased by his parents. Gary is survived by his wife Melanie White, daughter Terrie (Nathan) Johnson, son Greg Bechdol, granddaughters Emilyn and Penny Johnson, sister Linda (Ron) Jones, niece Susan Smith, great-nephew Brandon Smith, great-niece Jessica Smith, extended family member Katherine Bechdol, and numerous cousins.

A memorial service for Gary will be held at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA, 30030, on November 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, pet rescue groups, the Southeastern Railway Museum, First Baptist Church of Decatur, or a charity of your choice.