Gary Lee Renfro

On 9 July 2016, Pinetop said farewell to one of its own. Gary Lee Renfro, 1947 - 2016, passed away peacefully at his home in Pinetop.Gary attended Pinetop Elementary School graduating from McNary High School in 1965 as Salutatorian for his class of twenty-six.  Gary grew up with Pinetop as his backyard; together the town and the boy came of age. One could say that the man and the town were inseparable, as no matter where Gary traveled, Pinetop remained his home. Gary served with the Pinetop Volunteer Fire Dept. over 25 years retiring at the rank of captain.  He was the official corn cooker during his many years with the White Mountain Sheriff's Posse.  He served the local community in many ways:  the Pinetop Water Board, the Lakeside Little League in many positions from coach to umpire and president.  Gary participated in Boy Scouts with his son, where both were honored with the Order of the Arrow.  If Pinetop’s trees could talk, they would tell many stories of Gary’s life and memories of a man who knew the forest and the town like the back of his hand.  We will remember Gary as a husband, father, grandfather, son, community member, and mostly as a friend.  Gary was the grandson of Jake and Blanche Renfro and Sydney and Viola (Butler) Earl; the son of Ula Jean (Earl Renfro) and Raymond Merrell.  He is survived by his wife and best friend, Linda Grossetta Renfro, his children Marla Renfro of Vienna, VA and Lance (Melissa) Renfro of Las Cruces, NM. and six grandchildren.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Compasses Hospice, the White Mountain Humane Society, Movember Foundation, or a charity of your choice.