Gary Wayne Fly
Gary Wayne Fly, 76, passed away on April 30, 2022 in St George, Utah. He was born December 19, 1945 in California to Gilbert Calvin Fly and Kathleen Elnora Guthrie Fly. He grew up in Gardena, California where he and all his siblings went to school.
They lived in the city but in his heart, he wanted to live in the country, so in 1977 he convinced his side of the family and a bunch of his in-laws all to move to the beautiful Moapa Valley. He finally got to get horses and he would share that love of horses with his two daughters, Shawna and Tawnya, and some of his grandkids and great grandkids.
In 1984 he moved up to Northern Nevada where he would spend the next almost 30 years, doing what he loved, being a cowboy! That title of cowboy included tending bar at one of the oldest bars in Nevada, the Genoa Bar and Saloon, as well as Inn Cognito Bar and Grill, and his bar the Flys Silver Dollar Saloon.
He was captured in many paintings, water colors and photos because of his glorious beard and authentic clothes. You can see pictures of him, “The Virginia Beards” and others as you drive through those bars and restaurants in Northern Nevada. He had a lot of friends in that part of the country and they all called him “Fly”. He wouldn’t answer to Gary. He loved his heritage and his last name.
Gary was happiest being outdoors, riding, and chasing cows with his dog by his side. He had an optimistic outlook and didn’t take life too seriously. He fought and beat cancer once but it got the best of the good ole cowboy the second time. He will be missed.
Gary is survived by his daughters: Shawna (Phil) Sprague and Tawnya (Brock) Holyoak; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his siblings: Greg (Susie) Fly, Gordie (Pattie) Fly, and Debbie (Peter) Geng; his many nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children, Karen (Tom) Brady. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Kathleen Fly.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Gary in their guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.
1 thought on “OBITUARY: Gary Wayne Fly”
Beautiful Obitary..Wish I’d know Gary lived and worked in that area. We passed it every time we went to Reno..Would have been great to stop by and have a drink with you. Rest in Peace Gary..You were so liked at North High School in Torrance, Ca. where you were so Liked by ALL !