Gary Ray Tallent

Gary Ray Tallent, 77, of Seymour, passed away on Sunday, October 9^th, 2022.  He was born December 8, 1944, in Knoxville to Ray Tallent and Gladys Norman Tallent.  In 1946 the family moved to Maryville where he enjoyed a happy childhood filled with extended family, school and church activities.  He attended Everett School for 12 years, where he graduated in 1962.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Carson Newman College in 1966 and later a graduate degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  From 1966-1972, he was a member of the 134^th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard.  Gary taught for 33 years in Blount County Schools (Walland, Heritage High and Porter).  He loved the Lord and the churches of which he was a member- East Maryville Baptist, Eusebia Presbyterian and Smoky Mountain Methodist, serving many years as a Sunday School teacher and elder.  He volunteered many years at Sam Houston Schoolhouse Historic Site and with Blount County Retired Teachers’ Association.  He had a lifelong love for animals, the Smoky Mountains and gospel music, especially the Chuck Wagon Gang.    Preceded in death by his parents Ray and Gladys Tallent, grandparents Luther and Bertha Norman and Thomas and Ethel Tallent, and numerous aunts and uncles.  Survived by:  spouse Kathleen Hackulich Tallent, daughter and son-in-law Kristine and Jesse Brock, son and daughter-in-law Brad and Danielle Tallent, grandson Matthew Tallent, brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Ann Tallent and numerous cousins and beloved friends.  Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Smith Trinity Chapel on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.  Funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Parker Benson officiating.  Family and friends will assemble for interment at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Grandview Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Smoky Mountain Methodist Church Building Fund, 1049 White Oak Ave., Maryville, TN 37803 or a charity of your choice.  Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.