Gary Ray Proffitt

Gary Ray Proffitt, 80, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 17, 2019 at Sterling Village, Sterling. He was born September 28, 1939 in Sterling, the son of J.M. and Lutie Towse Proffitt. Gary was a lifelong rural Sterling resident. He graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1957, and later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry from Kansas State University in 1961. Gary was a farmer and stockman. He served in the United States Air National Guard. Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling; served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank and First Bank both of Sterling; past President of Farmers Cooperative Union of Sterling; and served on the Hospital District #1 of Rice County Board.  On August 4, 1963, Gary was united in marriage with Joanna Lowell in Concordia, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2000. On September 3, 2007, Gary was united in marriage with Paula McFarland in Sterling. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his son, Jeff Proffitt and wife Sherla of Sterling; three daughters, Carrie Proffitt-Zinman of Sun Lakes, AZ, Kara Fabin and husband Drew of Lawrence, KS, and Nicki McFarland of Hutchinson, KS;  sister, Ila Linder of Sterling; five grandchildren, Anna, Nathan, Jordan, and Ethan Proffitt, and Zach Fabin; and one great-granddaughter, Joanna Proffitt. Gary is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Wayne and Billy Proffitt. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, December 20, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Sterling or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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