Gary Lee Connolly, 77, passed away on March 12, 2014 following a period of declining health. He was born on April 28, 1936 in Montpelier to Elvon W. and Rosamond (Hoag) Connolly. He served eight years in the United States Navy Reserve, attended Hiawassee United Methodist Church, was a Postmaster, a member of Sutherland Lodge #174 in Palm Harbor, Florida, a York Rite member and a past officer for the Civic Club. He is survived by his wife, Lois Connolly of Hiawassee, Georgia; one daughter Kelly (Jay) McCloud of DeLand, Florida; one son Mark Connolly of Orlando, Florida; one step-daughter Carol (Ron) Rushing of Canton, Georgia; one step-son Tim (Linda) Stanfill, of Woodstock, Georgia; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his former wife Joan Elton Connolly, son Michael Connolly, and a sister Sharon Lynn Connolly. Funeral services will be held on March 22, 2014 at 1:30 PM at the Hiawassee United Methodist Church in Hiawassee, Georgia with Reverend Jim Blair and Reverend Sam Hamby officiating. Graveside services will be held on Saturday March 29th at 1pm with Reverend Richard Blank to officiate at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier, Ohio.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Methodist Church of Hiawassee, 1139 US 76 Hiawassee,  GA 30546.