Gary Scott Mingus

Gary Scott Mingus, age 64 of Friendsville, Tennessee, passed away on January 18, 2023.  He was born on June 19, 1958 to the late Geraldine (White) and Robert Mingus of Cloverport, Kentucky.  Gary apprenticed at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock in Virginia where he became a Journeyman Machinist.  Gary spent decades as a highly regarded machinist expert in the aluminum industry.  Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Sherrie Reep Mingus;  children, Janelle (Shayne Gallaher) Mingus, Charlene Mingus, Waylon (Melanie) Mink, and Elizabeth (David) Trexler;  grandchildren, Finn and Nora Gallaher, Jacob and Cameron Mink, and CJ Trexler;  siblings, Jimmy Mingus, and Lisa Mingus Tullis;  and niece, Eva Rhea.  He was preceded in death by brother-in-law, John W. Tullis.  Gary loved nature including Native American artifacts, bass fishing, bird watching, star gazing, hiking, and KY and TN sports.  He was a muscle car enthusiast who relished in modifying, driving, and showing his Dodge Challenger.  Gary also greatly enjoyed traveling, music, and dancing.  He was a world traveler having visited Costa Rica, Brazil, India, Mexico, Barbados, and Canada.  To honor Gary’s memory, the family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 1:00 until 5:00 PM at the Smith life Event Center at 1404 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803 with a celebration of life message at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who are able to instead make a donation to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation at 300 Orlando Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 or the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation at 306 W Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601.  Condolences may be made through Smith funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www,SmithfuneralandCremation.com