Gary Lynn Shank, 80, of Big Pool, passed away February 9, 2021 at his home. He was the son of the late Ronald F. Shank and F. Leona (Dennis) Shank, born on November 16, 1940 in Big Spring, Maryland. He was a 1958 graduate of Clear Spring High School, Clear Spring MD. He was married to his wife Shielda Mae (Secrest) Shank for 52 years.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, and also served in the Maryland Marine Police at Rock Hall, Maryland.
Gary lived an adventurous life, full of travels, earning his “Million Mile Driving Award” while driving for Atlantic Coast Trailways. He visited 49 of the 50 states, with only Hawaii left untraveled, as well as many of the Canadian provinces. After his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, his adventurous spirit led him to Alaska where he spent 2 years working in the gold mines and fighting wildfires. He spent many years as an over-the-road driver and made many friends working for Curtis Trucking (Denver, CO), Maryland Transportation (Baltimore, MD), G&S Trucking, Hall’s Motor Transport (Mechanicsburg, PA), L&L Bus Lines (Hagerstown, MD), Blue and White Bus Lines (Altoona, PA), and Atlantic Coast Trailways (Hagerstown, MD).
Over the years, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boating on the Eastern Shore, where he spent many wonderful family vacations. He loved his family, his grandchildren, and his many life-long friends. After his retirement, he continued his love and admiration of classic cars, loved golf, watching Nascar races, and loved his scratch-off lottery tickets.
He was a lifetime member of the Western Maryland Sportsmen’s Club, a lifetime member of the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company, a member of the Joseph C. Herbert American Legion Post 222 of Clear Spring, and the Riviera Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Ann Shank-Repp and Cheryl Lynne Ellmore and husband, Wayne; grandchildren, Brian Keith Bussard and wife, Megan Rae, Brandon Lee McPherson, Amanda Renee McPherson, Caitlin Faith Ellmore, Samuel Wilson Ellmore, and Emily Mae Ellmore. He is also survived by his brother, Rodney “Cork” Shank and wife, Betty Lou;and his nieces, Lisa Shank-Poole and husband, Cedric, and Kim Dryden. He is also survived by his trusty canine companion, Shadow.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 11 am at Donald Edwin Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 13607 National Pike, Clear Spring, MD with Pastor Rick Heines officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Clear Spring, MD.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5 to 7 pm. For the convenience of friends, you may visit the funeral home after noon.
Due to current COVID-19 regulations, facial coverings are required and social distancing will be practiced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association of Maryland, Inc., 211 East Lombard Street, Suite 260 Baltimore, MD 21202 or to Joseph C. Herbert American Legion Post 222, P.O. Box 158, Clear Spring, MD 21722..
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfhinc.com.
Donald Edwin Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the family.
Staci and Mike Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. He blessed us all with many happy memories. He was an amazing man. We always enjoyed his company. Always showed such love for his family and was so generous and truly caring to all. Holding you close in our prayers for comfort and healing. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything at all.
Georgia says
He sure lived a interesting life and was love greatly by his family …May he Rest in Peace and his family find comfort in knowing so many are thinking of them in this time of sorrow…sending love.Ger
Ronnie & Sissy says
Our condolences goes out to all the family. Gary was very special to us and always willing to do for everyone. We will surely miss all the visits to the house and campground. Love, Hugs and Prayers to the family. RIP Gary love you. 💕🙏
Smedley lynn says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was not only a fantastic driver with a wonderful sense of humor but a dedicated employee who earned his “ Million Mile” certification. Gary was also a friend who was alway available to help us any way possible. Thanks Gary Rest In Peace.
Smed and El. Atlantic Coast Charters
Ruth Martin says
Sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. We worked together at Atlantic Coast plus realized we were 4th cousins through our Shank family. Gary was always great to work with and had an unmatched sense of humor. I enjoyed hearing his stories and appreciated his honesty. Cherish all the memories you made over the years and may these same memories warm your heart when you recall them.
Melody Edwards says
Bubba & Megan, I am so sorry for your loss. Love you guys ❤️
Mary Lou Green (Green Tours) says
My deepest sympathy to Gary family on his passing.
I had him several times as driver for my group.
He was always smiling and made the trip very enjoyable for the group.
You could tell he really enjoyed his job!
May god be with you during this difficult time!
Mark Abraham says
With Deepest Regrets
Donna (Gossard) Stokes says
Sheilda Mae, Stephanie,Cheryl and family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and my prayers are with you at this most difficult of times. May you find comfort in the multitude of good family memories you share. May the Lord be your strength.
Clark Pyewell says
I knew Gary for many years, even though we worked for different Bus Companies. We always shared our stories and had a few laughs when our paths crossed. My thoughts are with his Family and Friends. I am lucky to have known him.