Gary Lee Wethington, 65, of Rock Island took his last breaths at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday August 1, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, with a luncheon to follow at IBEW Local 145, 1700 52nd Ave Moline, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be left in care of the family.

Gary was born on August 20th, 1958 in Indianapolis, IN son of Lilburn Wethington and Joann (Haack) Wethington. Gary attended Alleman and Rock Island high school and later attended Blair Junior College in Colorado Spring, CO. Gary married the love of his life Phyllis (Viren) Wethington on August 21, 1982. They would have celebrated their 42nd year of marriage in August 2024.

Gary is lovingly survived by his better half of 44 years Phyllis, his children Ryan (Lanese), Whitni (Amillio), and Noah (Kelly), his grandchildren Keana, Kelsi (Marty), Jenna, Christian, Jakob (Caley), Andrew (Sophie), Lilly, Amillia, Quinn, Weston, Josie, and Wells, as well as his five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve Pawlik.

Gary spent his life in service to others, whether as a bricklayer, owner of his own construction maintenance company, master of a multitude of trades and crafts, and as the groundskeeper at Friendship Manor, where he ultimately retired.

His lifetime service to others was most appreciated in his baseball coaching and scouting career, having touched the lives of countless aspiring players, where he was passing along his favorite baseball adage, "swing hard in case you hit it."  In addition to coaching all of his children, he assisted with coaching over the years at Rockridge High School, the Quad City Sharks, the Rock Island American Legion, playing and teaching competitive softball teams until well into 60s, and most recently serving as a pitching coach at Rock Island High School.  He was deeply honored to serve as a professional baseball scout for the Tampa Bay Rays, where he was allowed the opportunity to help young players continue playing his favorite game of baseball.

Gary was very well-known in the regional musical community from his 50+ years of sharing his musical talents with us.  He started performing in the late 70s in the Tri-Power Band, then performed with his loving wife for the next 44 years together, as the Park Avenue Band, Straight Up, Phyllis and the Sharks, and later as the acoustic duo, Phyllis and One Shark.  His six-decade history of performing, managing, and supporting live music has resulted in the entertainment of thousands of people, countless dollars raised from benefits, fundraisers, etc.  As a performer, his energy level was contagious, and he truly appreciated every audience member who gave him a chance to entertain them.  He inspired and supported several dozen new and aspiring musicians with lessons, jam sessions, advice, encouragement, and often with used equipment.  He was immeasurably proud of getting to see his grandchildren Amillia, Quinn, and Weston start to perform music together in his basement.

The way Gary lived can provide lessons to us all; he was always the first one to show up, the last one to leave, the one working the hardest, the first to show gratitude, and the last one to ask for recognition.  He truly valued his friendships and was deeply appreciative of everyone's support during his recent battle with cancer.  He would want us to end this obituary with his signature phrase, and so we leave you with one final… Thank you.  Good night.