Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Gary Lee Schoolfield, 58, of Atlanta, GA formerly of Beckley, WV died Friday, January 3, 2020 at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness.

Gary was born May 5, 1961 in Wyoming General Hospital, Mullens, WV, he was the first son of Queen Schoolfield of Beckley, WV and the late Posey L Schoolfield.

Gary was baptized at age 12 years, joining New Salem Baptist Church.

Gary graduated from high school and got a job at Chappie’s Filling Station working on cars where he was called “Mr. Fix It”. He was a gifted young man who would take things apart and put back together over and over again.

Gary decided to go to Atlanta, Georgia with a friend, Chester Bullock after his parents moved to Beckley. He joined the Greater St. Paul Church of God in Christ, Pastor Leroy Tyus. They needed a larger church, Gary said “I can do it” so he did. “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me”. This was his favorite bible verse. His next was The Serenity Prayer: God grant me the “Serenity” to except the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference”.

Gary’s first love was Latonya Wooten. Later, he married Vickie Parson and to this union they received Blessings from the Lord with two children, a girl, Mariah Schoolfield and a son, Mhylee. His first son is Maurio Schoolfield, mother Irene Johnson.

Gary, in addition to his father, was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: three siblings; uncles and aunts.

Gary, in addition to his mother, is survived by three sons, Maurio and Joe of Beckley and Mhylee of TX; daughter, Mariah of Roanoke, VA; step-daughter, Shimeka Sargent of Atlanta, GA; step-daughters in Roanoke, VA; brother, Anthony “Tony” Schoolfield of Beckley, WV; five grandchildren; many, many cousins; aunts, uncles; nephews; very special friend, Latonya Wooten of Detroit, MI and other friends.

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.