OK, heres the deal I didnt wake up this morning, I dont appear to be in a coma, but I am lying down and so far havent gone to the bathroom. Whats worse, I dont have the urge to go to the bathroom nor is the bed wet so the answer appears to be the one I wasnt quite ready for yet. Im dead. So for my family, friends, and anyone else who liked me, sorry, I wont be seeing you anymore. For those who were looking for this even, here it is, go ahead and shout or do whatever else you think I appropriate in your celebration. Stop the hollering!!! And the traditional work of my passing follows. Gary Hampton left his world at home near Keystone Heights, Florida on Tuesday, 25 March 2025. Born in Columbus, Ohio on 9 January 1942 as the first child in the Hampton Family to be born outside of Southeast Kentucky Mr. Hampton was 82. He was the first son and second children of four to be born to his parents, Anthony Hampton and Georgia Marie (Howell) Hampton, both deceased. His daughter Kimberly Glyn DeShong, Arbutis, Known as Arti, younger brother Barry Lester and younger sister Lydia Fern Banks are deceased. A sister Angela Stall (Michael) was born to subsequent marriage by his father Anthony, who was born in Millstone, (Letcher), Kentucky on 25 January 1913, and his mother Georgia was born in McDowell (Floyd), Kentucky on the 6th of August 1923. The family lived in Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio during WWII, then Fairborn, Ohio, and moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1949, then moved back to Fairborn, Ohio on the 4th of July 1956. For Gary, it was a happy childhood, the family had no money but it was a loving family and it was displayed daily. Gary graduated from Fairborn High School in 1958, and joined the Navy on February 28th, 1959. He had a burning desire to get out and see the world and the Navy was the way. He entered the Navy as an Airman Recruit and over the course of the next 30 years he advanced through the enlisted ranks, to warrant officer, and then was selected as a Navy Limited Duty Officer with the specialty of Aircraft maintenance and retired after 30 years at the grade of Lieutenant Commander. After the first four years he left the Navy for a short time, and met a girl who became his wife and the mother of his children, Saundria June Patterson. She was a devoted Navy wife and wonderful mother. Now divorced, Mrs. Hampton resides in Orange Park, FL. Mr. Hampton proudly served in Viet Nam in 1970, after which he was selected for a Navy program which led to a college degree from the University of West Florida in 1973. After leaving the navy in 1989 Mr. Hampton pursed a civil service career as the Training Systems Program manager for the H-46 Marine Corps helicopter and retired totally in 2004. His passions include the POW/MIA organization Rolling Thunder, and motorcycles. He and his wife Rachel took many motorcycle rides all over the US, and a two week touring ride on Harley in China and greatly enjoyed those adventures and many others. Mr. Hampton is a proud member of Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 4, a 50+ year member of the Fleet Reserve Association, and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America. His survivors include his devoted wife Rachel Ann Hampton of New Jersey and son-in-law Rick DeShong, son Gary Anthony Hampton and daughter-in-law Amy (McCLure), grandson Gary Cole Hampton, former spouse Saundria June Hampton, sister Angela Stall, and nieces Amber, Dawn, and April, and nephews Michael, James, Barry Lester Jr., Scott, and Tony, and many grandnieces and nephews. In addition, he had a step-daughter Melissa, and three step-sons, Matt, Mark, and Miles, in addition to 7 grandchildren: Miles Hudson II, Layla, Andrew, and Emma Hudson, Emilia Connor, Violet Hudson, and Nevaeh Martin. A graveside service for Mr. Hampton will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025, with Pastor Glenn Creasey officiating. Interment will be at the Keystone Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Parkinsons Foundation. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Keystone Heights Cemetery State Road 100 West Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Graveside Service Thursday, April 10, 2025 11:00 AM - Keystone Heights Cemetery State Road 100 West Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176