Born on April 15, 1950, in Olean, he was a son of Harlan James and Virginia Mae Russell Fancher. On November 22, 1969 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Richburg, he married the former Lois May Taylor who survives.

Gary had worked for Dresser Rand and Air Preheater before going to work for the New York State Department of Corrections working for both the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon and the Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea from where he retired in April of 2012.

He played lead guitar in several local rock and country bands and was proud to have the Christian music song he wrote “Where Would I Be” copyrighted, loved watching old westerns on TV, and was a season ticket holder of the St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball team for many years.

Garys memberships included the Inavale Sub. Grange and McKee Chapter of the Masons.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Lois are a son, Gerald A. Fancher of Bolivar; a daughter, Melinda A. (Anthony Cicirello) Fancher of Wellsville; grandchildren, Greg (Bri) Robinson, Jacob Robinson, Denae (Joe) Blakeslee, Allison Cicirello; great gandchildren, McKinley and Gage Blakeslee, Bailey, Casen, and Reece Robinson; a brother, Alan R. (Lois) Fancher of Fort Worth, Texas; brother-in-law, Stephen (Sandy) Taylor of Hinsdale, Sister-in-law, Sue Taylor of Cuba, Margaret Taylor of Westerly, Rhode Island, Rosalee Taylor of Angelica, and Carol Taylor of Friendship; an uncle, Keith Taylor of Landrum, SC; several nieces and nephews; and a lifelong friend, Jeff Barnes of Bolivar.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter Angela Fancher in 2015 and his brother-in-laws Glenn, David, Allan and Raymond Taylor, Sr.

Gary was be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the First Burying Grounds, Rushford, New York.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.