LELAND — Gary Stephen Scheer, 70, of Leland, North Carolina, passed away on August 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
Gary was born on September 13, 1954, in Queens, New York, and grew up in West Islip, New York as a proud Yankees and Giants fan. He graduated from West Babylon High School and attended the United States Coast Guard Academy. During his time at the Academy, Gary built lifelong friendships and began a 44-year journey dedicated to serving the United States.
Commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1976, Gary went on to serve on Coast Guard Cutters Hornbeam and Sassafras, was the commanding officer of LORAN Station Port Clarence, received his MBA from George Washington University in 1984, served as Group Commander of Group Ohio Valley, and achieved the rank of commander before retiring from active duty in 1996.
In 1998, he returned to the Coast Guard as a civilian, becoming the Director of the Coast Guard’s Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation (MWR) program. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Coast Guard’s Community Services Command and worked tirelessly to ensure service members and their families were supported. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the National Service to Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his dedication to military children.
Always a fitness enthusiast, Gary was known as a “gym rat” spending countless hours on the basketball and racquetball courts. It was on a Coast Guard Training Center Cape May racquetball court that he met the love of his life, Kelly, whom he married in 1982. They both enjoyed sports and could usually be found on a court or course with a racquet, ball, or clubs in hand during their 43 years of marriage.
Gary was known for his wit, warm smile and gift for making everyone feel like a friend. He enjoyed fly fishing, beach walks, exploring new places, and tending to his home’s lawn—proudly earning the nickname “Mulch Man.” An avid reader, Gary was a walking library, sharing each good read with friends. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his two beloved grandchildren who affectionately called him “No-No.” Gary also never missed an opportunity to help anyone who needed it. There wasn’t a kinder man.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Kelly Scheer; daughter Heather (Cody Olmstead) and their two children, Archer and Astrid; daughter Meagan Scheer and her partner Josh Beane; and his sister Judy (John) Barry. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Isabelle Scheer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coast Guard Foundation in Gary’s memory.
