Ollie Gary Wetherington

Ollie Gary Wetherington (72) went to be with the Lord April 11, 2016. The Low Country truly lost one of its most avid admirers. Gary loved the South Carolina Low Country from the moment he arrived here in 1970. Gary loved deer hunting in the woods throughout the Low Country. He enjoyed hunting ducks and doves too. The waters of the area provided many hours of fun and food over the years. Shrimping, gigging, crabbing, creek fishing, off shore fishing and tournament King fishing were some of the many ways he enjoyed the Low Country. Gary was born in Valdosta, GA. He began working for a tire store at 20 years old. He and Wanda moved to Charleston in 1970 to manage a tire store there. Lawton Oil Company of Estill offered him an opportunity to move to Hilton Head with his young family and help to build and then manage Island Tire Service South. Mr. Lawton and Mr. Batten became his mentors and later sold Gary Island Tire Service South. As the island grew Gary had Island Tire Service North built to offer closer services for those in that area. In 1995 Gary sold Island Tire Service to three of his long time employees. Gary always had a special place in his heart for young people. He lost his Dad when he was 12 years old so he knew how important caring people in your life are. He coached Gator football and youth baseball. He founded and directed Week of Champions Christian Sports Clinics (held every June) from 1978 - 2012. Week of Champions began with a football clinic of 50 children and three professional athletes. It grew to over 2000 campers annually and over 30 professional athletes participating in 7 different sports. In 1985 Gary’s dream of owning a farm and having horses came true when he and Wanda purchased a small farm outside Bluffton. As with everything in his life he used the farm to serve many people. After selling Island Tire, he took his tire warehouse he had built on his farm and turned it into a Christian youth retreat center. The Running W Retreat Center has served vast numbers of youth groups over the past 20 years and continues today to serve campers of all ages for a variety of events. His farm was home for Heroes on Horseback for 10 years. He took great pleasure seeing over 100 riders every week enjoy horseback. Church was a vital part of Gary’s life. He always held places of leadership as well as handling trash detail, because he always had a big pick up truck. He taught youth Sunday School classes for years. Later he taught adult Sunday School classes. As Gary’s health began to fail, he was very sad to give up teaching and Week of Champions director, but he thanked the Lord that others stepped up to continue those ministries. Not only did SC Low Country lose a big fan, so did the Falcons, Braves and Hawkes. If they won or lost he was their true fan always tuning in to their games when possible. Gary was a true friend. He had life long friends from high school. He had friends from his years at work, his church, his ministries. He remained a true friend to the end and his friends made his many years of declining health less of a lonely journey. Gary leaves an outstanding legacy. He was proudest of his family. He made it a priority in life to attend the events in their lives. As the children married and started their own homes and lives, Gary found his 11 grandchildren were a wonderful source of pride too! He boasted of being blessed with so many grandchildren and they all loved their Papa G He leaves each one in his family with many special memories. Gary’s death leaves a huge hole in his family’s lives and in their hearts. Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years, Wanda. Son Brett his wife Tabatha and children Taryn, Logan, Joshua and Luke. Son Bart his wife Lisa and children Jay, KC, Sarah and Ashleigh. Daughter Brittney Aldea and Children Gavin, Carson and Olivia. Gary claimed his long time employee and friend Clarence Holmes Jr. as his honorary Son. He has one sister Bonnie T. Parker. A memorial service was held April 14, 2016 at Cornerstone Church in Bluffton. The family would like to thank Tidewater Hospice for the exceptional care they gave Gary. Special thanks go to Nurse Gayle, Aides Dawn and Rebecca. Memorials can be made to Running W Retreat Center, 203 Stillwell Road Bluffton, SC 29910. Running W Retreat Center is a 501C3 nonprofit. Arrangements by Sauls Funeral Home