Gary Wayne Vaughn

Gary Wayne Vaughn, age 69 of Paris, TN, died Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his residence with his family by his side.

Gary was born October 29, 1953, in Murphysboro, IL, to the late Herbert Wanson Vaughn and the late Opal Marie Huppert Vaughn Farley.

In 2005, Gary met his current wife, Donna. After sharing a friendship for 10 years, they fell in love and were married on July 18, 2015. Gary often referred to her as “Angel” and “Darling.”  Donna survives, she resides in Paris.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by one daughter, Chynna Juliet Vaughn of N. Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Marilyn “Sis” Vaughn (Lloyd) Rainey of Desoto, MO, who helped take care of him in his last days alongside his wife; the mothers of his children, Bonnie Becker Vaughn and Diana Jarrett Linville; nephews, John (Amy) Eaton, and Michael (Carolyn) Eaton; three stepchildren, Jeff (Carrie) Wylie, Lindsey (David) Ellis, and Matt (Casey) Phillips; and grandchildren, Benaiah, Zachariah, Evangeline, and Solomon Wylie, Charolotte Penner, Addison and Bodhi Ellis, and Aubrianna Phillips.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sons, Benjamin Jacob “BJ” Vaughn, and Christopher Robert Vaughn. 

Gary grew up in southern Illinois where he attended grade school and high school. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, where he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. Some of his work history included UNI Distribution Corp/Matsushita Universal Media Services in Pinckneyville, IL, MCOM in LaVergne, TN, and most recently, Menasha Corp in Edison, NJ and Jackson, TN.

Gary was the recipient of many awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was recognized by the former president George W. Bush as a member of leaders in the High-Tech Industry.  Living in New Jersey for several years, he made many wonderful friends that he and his wife vacationed with among beautiful scenery and beaches. His favorite places to visit were New Hope, PA and Cape May, NJ. Gary loved being on the water, boating, being with friends, throwing darts, shooting pool, and long leisurely drives in his 1973 MGB that he nicknamed “Little Red”.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. The body is to be cremated with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to Amedisys Home Health & Caris Hospice for their care for Gary. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org to help find a cure for cancer.