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Garey Carter Christian

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | October 02, 2023

Garey Carter Christian, 79, died September 27, 2023, at home peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Coach Christian, a true pillar in the MASD community, who left us on September 27, 2023.  Coach Christian, a man of unwavering faith, was an extraordinary educator, coach, and mentor, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.  His dedication to the students of McKeesport High School was unparallel, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Coach Christian was not only a remarkable educator, but also one of the Tiger student-athletes in the history of McKeesport High School.  His achievements on the field were legendary, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.  Beyond the sports arena, he was a role model behind a community enriched by his wisdom, kindness, and passion.  

His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Coach Garey Christian will forever remain in our hearts, a shining example of what it means to be a true McKeesport Tiger.

Garey Christian, 79, of McKeesport, PA,  was born on May 26, 1944, in McKeesport, PA.  He was the beloved son to the late William and Irene Carter Christian.

Garey was a 1963 graduate of McKeesport High School. He was the last 4 letterman in the high school's history. Lettering in track, baseball, football, and basketball.  Garey went on to College and Graduated from Upper Iowa University with his degree in education.

His first teaching and coaching experience came in Waterloo, Iowa at East High School.  In 1979, he would return back to his alma mater of McKeesport to teach and coach. He would become the Head baseball coach at McKeesport with multiple winning seasons. He was also the assistant coach for basketball as well as football.  He was a 9th grade Health and Physical Education teacher the entire time at McKeesport before his retirement in 2006.

Returning to the church he grew up in Bethlehem Baptist Church he became a 50-plus-year member, chairman of the Deacon for many years, treasurer, Layman, member of the Male Chorus,  and always available to help in any capacity that was needed.  

In his spare time, Garey enjoyed watching the Dodgers, Steelers, and Lakers.  He loved grilling, spending time with family, yearly trips to Ocean City and other destinations, serving communion and checking on the sick and shut-in, and instilling his words of wisdom to family, friends, and students in the MASD community.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Christian, Sr., mother, Irene Carter Christian, sister, Ada (Christian) Younger, brother, Herbert Christian, sister, Beulah Shark, and his son, Dereck Christian.

Garey is survived by his loving spouse of 57 years, Patricia Sexton Christian; two sons, Garey LaMarque Christian, and Brian Michael Christian; daughter, Marlissa DeAnne Christian (Warren) Hopson II; 3 grandchildren Cierra Christian, Bria Christian, and Hayden Hopson, sister, LaRelda Christian; brother, William Christian, Jr.; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Garey Carter Christian, please visit our floral store.

Funeral Service
Tuesday
October 3, 2023
11:00 AM
Bethlehem Baptist Church
716 Walnut Street
McKeesport, PA 15132

Entombment following service
Tuesday
October 3, 2023
Penn Lincoln Memorial Park
14679 US-30 # 1,
North Huntington, PA 15642

Originally published October 02, 2023.

Other deaths:
"Jerome Keith Prysock" || "Beulah Annette Shark"