Gary E. Means

Asheville- Gary Emmet Means, 89, passed away on March 29, 2026. Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1937, Gary was the son of the late Harold and Vera Means. Gary was also preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Lorraine Roehrick Wheeler, a grandson Matthew Wheeler and a brother, Bruce Means.

Gary graduated high school and enrolled in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country for 22 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After leaving the Navy he worked for Mission Healthcare as a Respiratory Therapist.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years Roberta Varner Means; grandson, Nicholas Roehrick (Susan) of Westminster, CO; brother James Means (Karen) of Healdsburg, CA; and a brother Richard (Grace) of Sonoma, CA; stepdaughters, Carol Forrer, Dorothey Burleigh and Lauren Arsuffi; a stepson Richard Combs as well as loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the Pullium Chapel of Givens Estates with the Rev. David Russell and the Rev. Brenda Lewis officiating. A reception will follow in the Steunkle Living Room at 2:00 PM. A private committal service will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Four Seasons Hospice or to a charity of your choice.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.