Gary L. Brandyberry

On February 14, 2016, Gary Brandyberry of West Kingston, RI and formerly of California, passed to heaven. An angel has returned home. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. His, was a life filled with his love towards others and the return of that love to him. Gary worked as a Farmers insurance agent and a manager in Home Depot .He was active in the Jaycees , Little League, and Church. He was a strong advocate of the disabled .He was very active in the MS Dream Center. Yet, Gary's life was so much more than a list of jobs and accomplishments. Gary's path was different from most. For 21 years, Gary struggled with multiple sclerosis. Gary was a strong quiet dignity in the face of great suffering. Never self-pitying, he met each day with its new challenges with great bravery and strength of spirit. Each day met with kindness, humility and in the face of sadness - a great sense of humor. Those who knew him were privileged to bear witness to an extraordinary man, an extraordinary life. He showed us that in weakness, there is great strength. That in being wheelchair bound, one could stand tall. That in the presence of great struggle, there can be great dignity. That in the presence of a horrible disease that weakens the strongest to become the least, the least can become the greatest. He taught us how to live. Gary believed: "No greater love than to lay down one's life for another'. To all the doctors, nurses, therapists, his special aides/confidants/ champions ... our deepest thanks. He was blessed with caregivers that cared for him with remarkable kindness, compassion, nobility, and gentleness. They saw the person beyond the disability and made his world a better place. To all his family, church family, friends, and fellow comrades ... our greatest appreciation for your love and support. Some search for heroes in our celebrities and athletes. Our heroes are found in the quiet of a bedside, in a church pew, at the breakfast table, at a Seder meal, at a Christmas dinner now and so long ago. Our hero, our saint returned to heaven on Valentine's Day. Gary went home. We were all blessed to know him and will miss him dearly. A Service will be held Sunday February 21, 2016 at 3pm in Dunn Corner Community Church Presbyterian,221 Post Road, Westerly. Visiting hours will be held in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St, Wakefield on Saturday from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary's honor to MS Dream Center or Dunn's Corner Community Church Presbyterian