Obituary of Gerhard D. Klinghard

Gerhard D. “Gary” Klinghard 71 passed away on Wednesday December 25, 2024 at UAB in Birmingham. A Celebration of Life Service in his Honor will be held Saturday January 4, 2025 at First Methodist Church of Talladega at 2:00 pm with Todd Henderson Officiating services. Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara B. Klinghard; two sisters, Dora Binde and Carmen Klinghard; three brothers, Martin Klinghard, Marion Klinghard, and Trent Klinghard ; two brothers in law, Jon Bailey, and David Bailey, and a nephew Johnathon Bailey. Mr. Klinghard and Barbara met in 1981 at the Independent Living Center in Birmingham, got married in 1982 and were married for 42 years. Gary’s parents and older siblings were immigrants into America, they came through Ellis Island. Gary was three at the time. Gary attended Bradshaw High in Florence. He attended the University of North Alabama and obtained a degree in History social work and law Enforcement. He later got his Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from UAB where he was a vista volunteer and a drug counselor for people with drug issues. Gary enjoyed working with the scouts at the First Methodist Church in Talladega, where he was a scout himself, he enjoyed playing competitive chess and enjoyed camping with his family at Cheaha, also was a very devout Nascar fan. He was a counselor at E.H. Gentry technical Facility and at AIDB where he worked with students with disabilities as a case manager for two years. Gary was a devout Christian that loved Jesus. He took Discipleship classes in the Bible and read countless Christian books and would talk to everybody about the subject. Gary and Barbara have been members of First Baptist Church since 1984, and Gary went on the Alabama Emmaus walk 29 and was very involved in that Community. Gary loved music, his favorites were rock and roll Classics from the 70s, 80s, and some of the 60sand he loved sharing his knowledge of music with his friends. Mr. Klinghard was a very devout member of Talladega First Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.usreyfuneralhome.com with Usrey Funeral Home Talladega assisting the famil