Dr. Gary Richard Drum
April 26, 1945 ~ March 31, 2018
Resided in:
Jackson, Tennessee
April 26, 1945 - March 31, 2018
Born in Rochester, New York
Resided in Jackson, Tennessee
Dr. Gary R. Drum
Tennessee: Passed away after a long illness with Kidney Failure (ESRD), Saturday, March 31, 2018 at age 72. Survived by his sister, Linda Bruley; his best friend, Anthony Julian and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Ardean and Iola Drum; brother-in-law, Marvin Bruley and nephew, Kevin Bruley.
His “home” was always Rochester, NY. He graduated from Greece Olympia High School and then went to University of Tennessee and also Hamilton College. Gary was a lifelong member of the Delta Phi Fraternity. Early on he taught at Kentucky Wesleyan College where he was the Radio Program Director. His favorite college to teach at over the years was Lambuth University. He taught Communications, Philosophy, Ethics and Film at the various colleges where he was a professor. Gary was also a Pastor for Methodist Churches for 28 years. His favorite book was, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. He loved the HABS and hockey, travelling, making films, reading, and Macs. One of his favorite places to visit was New Orleans. His friends would say he was, unafraid and standing for something even in these troubled times, and a Legend in his own time. He loved his Asiatic Lilies and most of all, his many pet cats over the years (Tabby, Tori, Amelia, Hennessey and Scooter). He was also a part of the Tennessee Equality Project. Gary was a unique soul; we hope his journey in life has inspired others.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Gary’s life will be on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Salem United Church of Christ (60 Bittner St., Rochester, NY 14604).
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions may be made to: https://www.youcaring.com/garydrum-1170498
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dr. Drum taught me more than once at Lambuth University. He is one of the reasons that I am unafraid to preach Sunday mornings. It was very interesting to transition from being his student to being his colleague in the UMC. He was brave and kind and very supportive of my call to ministry. In fact, every Sunday morning I preach from a Wesley Study Bible that he gave me a month before I graduated from Candler School of Theology. He is, and always will be, a dear friend who I will miss completely.
Gary and I visited during a number of Annual Confrences. Over dinner, we talked about nearly every subject under the sun. To say the least, it was never dull. He had an energetic spirit and an interesting look on life.
Dr. Drum was more than a professor of mine at Lambuth, he was a colleague and a friend. He found out that I would be representing my Annual Conference at the 2000 General Conference and he went out of his way to help guide me in understanding the inner workings of the United Methodist Church. Over my time as as a Communications major he helped me to better understand mass communication in many mediums. He gave me a bible when I got my first pastoral appointment in 2009 and I still use that bible every week. May he rest in peace and may we all appreciate his contribution to life while on this earth.
Gary was a remarkable person. I’m very glad I had an opportunity to get to know him and to work with him on the Memphis conference Communications committee. Gary was a great instructor in the classroom and I took a class from him in my spare time when I pastored in Beech Bluff.
Gary was a great pastor he had a great sense of humor and a very deep faith I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know him.
Ronnie Peck
Gary was a great personality on campus at Kentucky Wesleyan in the early 1980’s. As a student, I remember helping him carry the new radio equipment into Massey Hall where WKWC was founded and still exists today in another building on campus. He was a brilliant soul and a very good radio announcer. He was also a Facebook friend of mine and I enjoyed his candor. His frankness and courage leading up to his passing was remarkable. He was a faith filled man and I hope to see him again.