Gary Cruzan,

Gary Lee Edward Cruzan, age 67, of the Bethlehem Community went to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, July 20, 2010. Born in Jacksonville, Illinois, Oct. 25, 1942 to the late Edward Merrill Cruzan and Margaret Cruzan Meyer of Hickory. Gary was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served the Lord as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, usher and personnel committee. Mr. Cruzan was a retired from the United States Navy, following twenty years service, as a nuclear power submariner. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant. His civilian career spanned twenty-two years with Duke Power in Charlotte, as a nuclear engineer. In addition to his father, who also retired as a naval hospital corpsman, he was preceded by one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fred and Ann Brackett. In addition to his mother he is survived by his loving wife, of forty-five years, Sharon Brackett Cruzan as well as three loving and adoring children, Sherry and husband Ashley Rhoney of Lafayette, La.; Master Chief Cindy Cruzan of Washington, D.C. and one son Garrett Edward Cruzan and wife Debbie.  He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Kaylan Marie and Chase Rhoney of Lafayette, La. He has one sister, Mary Dufour and husband Fred of Indiana. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Duilne and husband Robert Bills of Ballstone Spa, NY. sister-in-law, Colleen and John Barnes of Birmingham, N.Y.  Brother-in-law, Lynn Brackett and wife, Linda, Ronald Brackett and wife Polly and John Brackett and wife Bernadette, all of CT. Nieces and nephews, Terry and Daniel Dufour of Texas as well as a nephew, Fred Dufour and wife Molly, of Texas. Great nephews and nieces: Hennery and Emily Dufour of Indiana and Daniel Dufour of Texas. He has several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Rick and Ronnie Cruzan of Jacksonville, Illinois and Junior of Illinois, as well as a cousin, Gary Joe Cruzan of New Jersey. He has a very special friend, Hannah Fox Hefner. Mr. Cruzan was member of the Bethlehem Ruritan Club for twenty-five years, where he served as president, vice-president, and secretary. Visitation will be held, Sat. July 25, 2010, at Bethlehem Baptist Church from twelve noon until 1:45 p.m. and services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m.at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors by the United States Navy. The ships bell will be tolled by the Sub-vets of Charlotte. Pallbearers will be Brent Fox and members of the Bethlehem Ruritan Club. Pastors,  Kenneth Little, Kenneth Lambert and Chris Meade will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka KS, 66675-8516.Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com . Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service in Taylorsville, NC is serving the Cruzan family.