Gery Maury

 URBANA — Gery Maury, 87, of Urbana passed peacefully Saturday (July 15, 2023) in Champaign.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, in Diers Hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Gery was born on Nov. 28, 1935, in Champaign, to Alvin Gernand III and Wilma Kuykendall Maury. He married Lois Huls on July 28, 1957, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife of almost 66 years, Lois, Gery is survived by his son, Barry (Sandra) Maury of St. Joseph, Becky (Daniel) Dunlap of Urbana; four grandchildren, Bryan (Katherine) Maury, Ashley (Brad) Houchens, Emily Dunlap (Jake Rahn) and Zachary Dunlap (Kim Sprague); and six great-grandchildren, Brenden, Jansen, Davis A.G. and Parker Maury and Bryson and Brylee Houchens.

Gery was preceded in death by his parents; twin grandsons, Adam and Austin Dunlap; and great-grandson, Camron Houchens.

Gery graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1955, where he held the scoring record of 1,251 points until 1992. After graduation, he worked as a bookkeeper for Springer Ford of Rantoul. In 1972, Gery opened the sporting goods store Gery & Al’s, which had locations in Rantoul, Champaign and Danville. During that time, he shared his passion for athletics with the surrounding communities. This passion was also instilled in his granddaughter, Ashley, as she is opening a sporting goods store in his memory, Legacy 1251. After Gery’s retirement, he worked in the Pro Shop at the Brookhill Golf Course in Rantoul.

To know Gery was to love him. He never met a stranger, striking up a conversation everywhere he went. Gery was a gentle soul. He always put his wife and family first. Loved ones never left their house without a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Outside of his family, Gery’s lifelong passion was sports. He played basketball for Rantoul Township High School, where he was inducted into the hall of fame in 1987. He served as grand marshall in the RTHS homecoming parade in 2005. He later joined a softball league through the Champaign Park District and participated in the “Grasshoppers” golf league. He was an avid fan of the Illinois women’s basketball team, and he could be found in his recliner on Sundays during the PGA season. His love for sports has been passed down to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you could always find him in the stands at any of their events.

In 2016, Gery was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Despite the difficulties he faced with this disease, he maintained his positive personality until the end. You could always count on him for a sarcastic response to your question or a request for a candy bar.

Gery positively impacted the lives of so many and was loved by all. His family was able to say goodbye in his final moments and are thankful that his soul is finally at peace.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

NG 7/18/2023